COVERAGE OF IMNCI IN DISTRICT ABBOTTABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

BACKGROUND: IMNCI is a systemic approach to children’s health, which focuses on the child as a whole, rather than on a single disease or condition. This study focuses on the coverage of IMNCI in terms of trained staff, their knowledge and practice and resource availability in district Abbottabad.
METHODS: All trained staff, 23 in number, from 16 randomly selected Basic Health Units (BHUs) were studied from 10 March to 9 Septmber 2015. A self administered questionnaire was provided to the health care workers of randomly selected BHUs to assess their knowledge, practice and resources regarding IMNCI. Results were calculated as frequency using SPSS version 20.
RESULTS: 17 BHUs were visited out of which the medical officer incharge of 1 BHU was not willing to participate. 2 BHUs did not even have a single trained health care worker. Out of total 23 respondents 5 were doctors, 6 were lady health visitors and 12 were medical technicians. Over all knowledge and practice of IMNCI among respondents was good but still some respondents failed to communicate their knowledge and practice.
CONCLUSION: Very few health care workers lack knowledge regarding IMNCI. This issue needs to be addressed through appropriate training workshops and seminars, developing and strengthening skills, competencies and capacity building by the management.

KEY WORDS: WHO, UNICEF, Health Care Worker.