How does the IMCI strategy view the role of community health workers?

The IMCI strategy recognizes community health workers as essential partners in child health promotion. This perspective emphasizes the critical role these workers play in improving child health outcomes within the community. Community health workers are often the first point of contact for families, providing education, counseling, and support that enable parents to better care for their children. They are instrumental in identifying health concerns early, facilitating access to necessary healthcare services, and promoting preventive measures that contribute to overall community health.

By integrating community health workers into the IMCI framework, the strategy leverages local knowledge and trust within communities, enhancing the effectiveness of health interventions. These workers are trained to deliver key messages about nutrition, immunization, and illness recognition, thus reinforcing important health behaviors among families. Their involvement fosters community engagement, making health services more accessible and culturally relevant, which is vital for improving child health and nutrition outcomes in diverse settings.