Strengthening health services with quality

Effective interventions to address the major causes of child morbidity and mortality are well known. Yet, coverage of these interventions is still very uneven. This is in part due to limited access to services. But even where utilization is high, poor quality of services means that children do not receive the care they need.

The CHD unit generates evidence about effective interventions and delivery strategies, and works with countries to improve the access, quality and coverage of essential child health services. Efforts are directed at primary and secondary health care facilities, as well as community health worker services. Primary health care is the foundation for reaching children and their families with equity, and universal health coverage is the policy direction for leaving no child behind.  

The WHO Special Programme on Primary Health Care provides a new impetus for strengthening health services and support children’s health and wellbeing.