IMCI planning guide

Overview

The IMCI planning guide: Gaining experience with the IMCI strategy in a country describes a phased approach to planning and implementing the IMCI strategy in countries recommended by WHO and UNICEF.

The following phases are described in detail:

• Phase I: Introduction of IMCI in a country, which includes thorough orientation of decision makers, the establishment of a national IMCI management and coordination group, training of key Ministry of Health (MOH) staff in the IMCI clinical guidelines and MOH endorsement of the strategy;
• Phase II: Gaining experience through early implementation, which includes development of a national plan, selection of initial districts for implementation, adaptation of the IMCI clinical guidelines and materials, training of course facilitators and planning at district level;
• Phase III: Expansion of activities and coverage, which includes expansion of IMCI activities in districts already covered, and expansion to cover additional districts.