Childhood Illnesses

This chapter presents the management of sick infant and child up to age 5, following the WHO syndromic approach IMNCI.

IMNCI (Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illnesses)

The following guidelines use a syndromic approach to the management of common childhood conditions at Primary Health Care Level and should be followed page-by-page.

The general approach used involves 5 main steps:

• Assess the child
• Classify the illness
• Identify and provide the required treatment
• Counsel the mother
• Provide FOLLOW UP support

There are 3 sections, based on age:

• Sick newborn (1st week of life)
• Sick infant (up to 2 months)
• Sick child (2 months to 5 years)