4.6.5

To improve child health, the Government will build on two components: the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) strategy, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) strategy. Through the IMCI strategy, the quality of care given to children under five in health facilities and in the community will be improved to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by malaria, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malnutrition and measles in children less than five years of age. Through the EPI strategy, the high vaccination coverage against childhood illnesses will be maintained. Major priorities under the EPI strategy include the eradication of poliomyelitis by the year 2005, the elimination of neonatal tetanus and the control of measles by 2005.

4.6.6

To reduce mortality and morbidity linked to malnutrition, the nutrition strategy will build on a multisectoral approach. Nutritional monitoring and the promotion of good eating practices to improve nutrition will be intensified. Growth monitoring of children at the community level will be expanded gradually across the whole country as to improve the overall coverage of growth monitoring activities. Health professionals will be trained in severe malnutrition case management, control of Vitamine A and Iron deficiencies, and reduction of anaemia. Breast-feeding among mothers and household consumption of iodised salt will be encouraged. Food security will be ensured through inter-sectoral collaboration with other sectors involved.