Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), a global strategy led by the WHO, aims to reduce child mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Introducing this comprehensive approach in conflict areas presents a wide array of unique challenges. The self-declared independent republic of Nagorno Karabagh, an enclave seated in the Caucuses Mountains between the Black and Caspian Seas, serves as an excellent case study for examining issues and constraints encountered in implementing the IMCI initiative in a post-conflict zone. In 1999, the ARC, in collaboration with the ICRC and the MOH, launched a comprehensive Primary Health Care project in two pilot regions of Nagorno Karabagh. The subsequent transformation of the post-soviet health system into a primary health care framework has created a conducive environment for the rapid integration of IMCI into the national health structure. The MOH has successfully progressed from the introduction phase of IMCI to the implementation stage in less than six months, a process that can take several years. Key contributors to the success of the project include strong commitment from the MOH, incorporation of IMCI into the national health sector reform plan, and recruitment of highly motivated project team members. Using information gathered from health provider interviews, focus group discussions, and health facility surveys, ARC will discuss the issues, challenges, and lessons-learned in successfully carrying out all three components of the IMCI strategy in this delicate political and economic context. Recommendations will be shared as a basis for advancing the global IMCI strategy.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1.) Identify the three components of the IMCI strategy, 2.) Understand issues/challenges in implementing the IMCI strategy in post-conflict areas, and 3.) Apply lessons-learned from the NK experience to expand global IMCI initiatives.
Keywords: Child Health, Primary Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.