A review of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)

Abstract

The IMCI approach ensures that a comprehensive and accurate assessment is made of a sick child using simple yet reliable clinical signs at the first contact level. Also doctors, especially those working in the public sector need to understand the IMCI approach that is used in primary health care throughout South Africa: They will be better able to receive referrals and send the child back for care and follow up into the primary health care system. All doctors who manage sick children should consider updating their skills to include IMCI. The National Child and Youth Health Directorate (012–3120199) can supply information on doctor courses being conducted throughout the country.