The Household and Community Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (HH/C IMCI) Framework

Launched jointly by WHO and UNICEF in 1992, the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) strategy addresses the five major causes of child mortality (diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, measles and malnutrition), using an integrated "whole child" approach.

Early efforts, and more importantly resource allocation, have focused heavily on the first two components of IMCI. However, training health workers and improving health systems alone will not result in the desired reductions in child mortality. For this reason, household  and community (HH/C) approaches to IMCI are now recognized as the most effective techniques to bring about significant reductions in morbidity and mortality in children under five. At the same time, community IMCI creates a groundswell of community involvement and commitment that helps to sustain initiatives long after outside funding has ceased.

The purpose of this guide is to assist NGOs, Ministries of Health, and bilateral and multi-lateral organizations in implementing a two and a half day workshop on HH/C IMCI. The guide provides management for preparing and delivering a workshop that will equip staff and partners with the necessary information and skills to develop strategies for the HH/C IMCI programs in their area of influence.