In Siaya District, Kenya, the Communities with the support of CARE and Ministry of Health have implemented a USAID-funded child survival project in a malaria hyperendemic area where under five mortality exceeded 200 deaths per 1000 births. Given the high mortality and the limited access to health facilities, the Government of Kenya has authorized the use of first line drugs by community health workers (CHWs) trained to use a simplified algorithm to assess, classify, treat, and counsel sick children. Comparing trained CHW skills with those of a trained clinician showed that over two thirds of the sick children were correctly managed by CHWs. Major deficiencies related to inability to identify less frequently encountered danger signs such as chest indrawing and severe dehydration. Trained CHWs are currently receiving refresher training in recognition of danger signs.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe role of village selected mothers in the assessment and treatment of sick children 2. Assess community health worker skills to assess and treat sick child as compared to a trained clinician
Keywords: Maternal and Child Health,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CARE Kenya, CARE International, CARE-CDC Health Initiative, USAID
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.