Togo – IMCI saves children's lives in rural communities through local capacity building and partnerships

BACKGROUND - In Togo, the under-five mortality rate is 123 children per 1,000 live births, mainly due to malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases. However, the introduction of the WHO-supported Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) strategy served as an opportunity to support the reduction of child mortality. PROJECT - From January 2008 to December 2010, Plan International, a child-centered community development organization, implemented a community-based IMCI strategy, in partnership with the Ministry of the Health and a local NGO, in the East-Mono district. The project promoted the 17 healthy practices endorsed by WHO for maternal and child health. Project activities included: training and support for 310 community health workers, 34 health professionals and six staff from the local implementing NGO, 85 health centers management team members, and 53 health committees, as well as community education with adapted communication tools to promote best practices among families. RESULTS - After three years of implementation, the use of health facilities has increased from 43% to 57%. Mothers who had used oral rehydration treatment for children having diarrhea increased from 23.4 % to 58.3 %; complete immunization of children increased from 28.7% to 38.1%; pregnant women with appropriate antenatal care increased from 70.2% to 95.3%. Most importantly, a partnership was developed between government service providers, the local implementing NGO, and the 52 participating communities of East-Mono. NEXT STEPS - Plan International will scale up this project in other health districts and will continue supporting the community health workers trained until financial sustainability is achieved.