NursingBulletin IMCI

 World Health Organization, 2001
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Contents
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness........................................... ........................1
The inequities of child health................................................................... ...................1

Rationale for an evidence-based syndromic approach to case management.............2
Components of the integrated approach.................................................................... .3
The principles of integrated care.................................................... ............................4
Adapting the guidelines to a country’s situation........................................... ...............5
The IMCI case management process............................................................. ............5
Outpatient health facility........................................................... ............................5
Referral health facility...................................................................... .....................5
Appropriate home management................................................ ...........................5
Outpatient management of children age 2 months up to 5 years.....................................7
Assessment of sick children.............................................................. .........................7

Communicating with the caretaker.................................................................... ....7
Checking for general danger signs................................................ .......................8
Checking main symptoms................................................................................ .... 9
Cough or difficult breathing........................................................ .................... 9
Diarrhoea................................................................................. .....................11
Fever............................................................................... .............................16
Ear problems..................................................................... ...........................20
Checking nutritional status - malnutrition and anaemia.................................. .....22
Assessing the child's feeding................................................................... ...........24
Checking immunization status........................................................ ....................24
Assessing other problems.................................................... ..............................25
Treatment procedures for sick children............................................................... ......25

Referral of children age 2 months up to 5 years........................ .........................26
Treatment in outpatient clinics.................................................... ........................28
Oral drugs........................................................................................ .............28
Treatment of local infections.................................................. .......................29
Counselling a mother or caretaker............................................... .................32
Follow-up care........................................................................ ......................34
i
Outpatient management of young infants age 1 week up to 2 months...........................36
Assessment of sick young infants......................................................................... ....36

Checking for main symptoms............................................................................. .36
Bacterial infection.......................................................... ...............................36
Diarrhoea......................................................................................... .............38
Feeding problems or low weight....................................... ............................38
Checking immunization status........................................................ ....................40
Assessing other problems.................................................... ..............................40
Treatment procedures for infants...................................................................... ........40

Referral of young infants age 1 week up to 2 months........................ .................40
Treatment in outpatient clinics.................................................... ........................41
Oral drugs........................................................................................ .............41
Treatment of local infections.................................................. .......................41
Counselling a mother or caretaker............................................... .................42
Follow-up care........................................................................ ......................43
Principles of management of sick children in a small hospital..........................................44
i
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF CHILDHOOD ILLNESS
THE INEQUITIES OF CHILD HEALTH
Although the annual number of deaths among children less than 5 years old has decreased
by almost a third since the 1970s, this reduction has not been evenly distributed
throughout the world. According to the 1999 World Health Report, children in low- to
middle-income countries are 10 times more likely to die before reaching age 5 than
children living in the industrialised world. In 1998, more than 50 countries still had
childhood mortality rates of over 100 per 1,000 live births.1
Every year more than 10 million children in these countries die before they reach their
fifth birthday. Seven in 10 of these deaths are due to acute respiratory infections (mostly
pneumonia), diarrhoea, measles, malaria, or malnutrition — and often to a combination
of these conditions (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Distribution of 10.5 Million

Deaths Among Children Less Than
5 Years Old in All Developing Countries,
1999
Projections based on the 1996 analysis

The Global Burden of Disease2 indicate
that these conditions will continue to be
major contributors to child deaths
through the year 2020 unless
significantly greater efforts are made to
control them.
Infant and childhood mortality are

sensitive indicators of inequity and
poverty. It is no surprise to find that the
children who are most commonly and
severely ill, who are malnourished and who are most likely to die of their illness are those
of the most vulnerable and underprivileged populations of low-income countries.
However, even within middle-income and so-called industrialised countries, there are
often neglected geographical areas where childhood mortality remains high. Millions of
children in these areas are often caught in the vicious cycle of poverty and ill health —
poverty leads to ill health and ill health breeds poverty.
Quality of care is another important indicator of inequities in child health. Every day,
millions of parents seek health care for their sick children, taking them to hospitals,
health centres, pharmacists, doctors, and traditional healers. Surveys reveal that many
1
World Health Organization. World health report 1999 making a difference. Geneva, WHO, 1999.
2
Murray CJL and Lopez AD. The global burden of disease: a comprehensive assessment of mortality and
disability from diseases injures, and risk factors in 1990 and projected to 2020. Geneva, World Health
Organization, 1996.
3
sick children are not properly assessed and treated by these health providers, and that
their parents are poorly advised.3 At first-level health facilities in low-income countries,
diagnostic supports such as radiology and laboratory services are minimal or non-
existent, and drugs and equipment are often scarce. Limited supplies and equipment,
combined with an irregular flow of patients, leave doctors at this level with few
opportunities to practise complicated clinical procedures. Instead, they often rely on
history and signs and symptoms to determine a course of management that makes the best
use of available resources.
Providing quality care to sick children in these conditions is a

serious challenge. Yet how can this situation be reversed? Improvements in child health
are not necessarily
Experience and scientific evidence show that improvements in dependent on the use of
child health are not necessarily dependent on the use of sophisticated and expensive
sophisticated and expensive technologies, but rather on technologies.
effective strategies that are based on a holistic approach, are
available to the majority of those in need, and which take into account the capacity and
structure of health systems, as well as traditions and beliefs in the community.
RATIONALE FOR AN EVIDENCE-BASED SYNDROMIC

APPROACH TO CASE MANAGEMENT
Many well-known prevention and treatment strategies have already proven effective for
saving young lives. Childhood vaccinations have successfully reduced deaths due to
measles. Oral rehydration therapy has contributed to a major reduction in diarrhoea
deaths. Effective antibiotics have saved
millions of children with pneumonia. Prompt A more integrated approach to
treatment of malaria has allowed more managing sick children is needed to
children to recover and lead healthy lives. achieve better outcomes.
Even modest improvements in breastfeeding
Child health programmes need to
practices have reduced childhood deaths. move beyond addressing single
diseases to addressing the overall
While each of these interventions has shown health and well-being of the child.
great success, accumulating evidence
suggests that a more integrated approach to
managing sick children is needed to achieve better outcomes. Child health programmes
need to move beyond single diseases to addressing the overall health and well-being of
the child. Because many children present with overlapping signs and symptoms of
diseases, a single diagnosis can be difficult, and may not be feasible or appropriate. This
is especially true for first-level health facilities where examinations involve few
instruments, little or no laboratory tests, and no X-ray.
During the mid-1990s, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with
UNICEF and many other agencies, institutions and individuals, responded to this
3
World Health Organization. Report of the Division of Child Health and Development 1996-1997. Geneva,
WHO, 1998.
4
challenge by developing a strategy ARI Diarrhoea Malaria Measles
known as the Integrated
Management of Childhood Illness
(IMCI). Although the major 54% 85% 79% 89%
reason for developing the IMCI
strategy stemmed from the needs
of curative care, the strategy also Percentage of deaths occurring among:
addresses aspects of nutrition, immunization, and other important elements of disease

prevention and health promotion. The objectives of the strategy are to reduce death and
the frequency and severity of illness and disability, and to contribute to improved growth
and development.
The IMCI clinical guidelines target children less than 5 years old — the age group that
bears the highest burden of deaths from common childhood diseases (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Proportion of Global Burden of Selected Diseases Borne by Children Under 5

Years (Estimated, Year 2000)4
The guidelines take an evidence-based, syndromic approach to case management that

supports the rational, effective and affordable use of drugs and diagnostic tools.
Evidence-based medicine stresses the importance of evaluation of evidence from clinical
research and cautions against the use of intuition, unsystematic clinical experience, and
untested pathophysiologic reasoning for medical decision-making.5 In situations where
laboratory support and clinical resources are limited, the syndromic approach is a more
realistic and cost-effective way to manage patients. Careful and systematic assessment of
common symptoms and well-selected clinical signs provides sufficient information to
guide rational and effective actions.
An evidence-based syndromic approach can be used to determine the:

• Health problem(s) the child may have;
• Severity of the child’s condition;
• Actions that can be taken to care for the child (e.g. refer the child immediately,
manage with available resources, or manage at home).
In addition, IMCI promotes:

• Adjustment of interventions to the capacity and functions of the health system; and
• Active involvement of family members and the community in the health care process.
4
Adapted from Murray and Lopez, 1996.
5
Chessare JB. Teaching clinical decision-making to pediatric residents in an era of managed care.
Paediatrics, 1998, 101 (4 Pt): 762-766
5
Parents, if correctly informed and counselled, can play an
Careful and systematic
important role in improving the health status of their children assessment of common
by following the advice given by a health care provider, by symptoms and well-
applying appropriate feeding practices and by bringing sick selected specific
children to a health facility as soon as symptoms arise. A clinical signs provide
critical example of the need for timely care is Africa, where sufficient information
to guide rational and
approximately 80 percent of childhood deaths occur at home, effective actions.
before the child has any contact with a health facility.6
COMPONENTS OF THE INTEGRATED APPROACH

The IMCI strategy includes both preventive and curative interventions that aim to
improve practices in health facilities, the health system and at home. At the core of the
strategy is integrated case management of the most common childhood problems with a
focus on the most common causes of death.
The strategy includes three main components:

• Improvements in the case-management skills of health staff through the provision of
locally-adapted guidelines on integrated management of childhood illness and
activities to promote their use;
• Improvements in the overall health system required for effective management of
childhood illness;
• Improvements in family and community health care practices.
THE PRINCIPLES OF INTEGRATED CARE
The IMCI guidelines are based on the following principles:
• All sick children must be examined for “general danger signs” which indicate the
need for immediate referral or admission to a hospital.
• All sick children must be routinely assessed for major symptoms (for children age 2
months up to 5 years: cough or difficult breathing, diarrhoea, fever, ear problems; for
young infants age 1 week up to 2 months: bacterial infection and diarrhoea). They
must also be routinely assessed for nutritional and immunization status, feeding
problems, and other potential problems.
• Only a limited number of carefully-selected clinical signs are used, based on

evidence of their sensitivity and specificity to detect disease.7 These signs were
6
Oluwole D et al. Management of childhood illness in Africa. British medical journal, 1999, 320:594-595.
7
Sensitivity and specificity measure the diagnostic performance of a clinical sign compared with that of
the gold standard, which by definition has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100%. Sensitivity
measures the proportion or percentage of those with the disease who are correctly identified by the sign.
6
selected considering the conditions and realities of first-level health facilities.
• A combination of individual signs leads to a child’s classification(s) rather than a

diagnosis. Classification(s) indicate the severity of condition(s). They call for specific
actions based on whether the child (a) should be urgently referred to another level of
care, (b) requires specific treatments (such as antibiotics or antimalarial treatment), or
(c) may be safely managed at home. The classifications are colour coded: “pink”
suggests hospital referral or admission, “yellow” indicates initiation of treatment, and
“green” calls for home treatment.
• The IMCI guidelines address most, but not all, of the major reasons a sick child is
brought to a clinic. A child returning with chronic problems or less common illnesses
may require special care. The guidelines do not describe the management of trauma
or other acute emergencies due to accidents or injuries.
• IMCI management procedures use a limited number of essential drugs and

encourage active participation of caretakers in the treatment of children.
• An essential component of the IMCI guidelines is the counselling of caretakers about

home care, including counselling about feeding, fluids and when to return to a health
facility.
ADAPTING THE GUIDELINES TO A COUNTRY’S SITUATION

The underlying principles of the IMCI guidelines are constant. However, in each country
the IMCI clinical guidelines should be adapted to:
• Cover the most serious childhood illnesses typically seen at first-level health
facilities;
• Make the guidelines consistent with national treatment guidelines and other policies;
and
• Make IMCI implementation feasible through the health system and by families caring
for their children at home.
Adaptation of the IMCI guidelines normally is co-ordinated by a national health

regulating body (e.g., Ministry of Health) and incorporates decisions carefully made by
national health experts. For this reason, some clinical signs and details of clinical
procedures described below may differ from those used in a particular country. The
principles used for management of sick children, however, are fully applicable in all
situations.
In other words, it measures how sensitive the sign is in detecting the disease. (Sensitivity = true positives /
[true positives + false negatives]) Specificity measures the proportion of those without the disease who
are correctly called free of the disease by using the sign. (Specificity = true negatives / [true negatives +
false positives])
7
THE IMCI CASE MANAGEMENT PROCESS
The case management of a sick child brought to a first-level health facility includes a
number of important elements (see Figure 3).
Outpatient Health Facility

• Assessment;
• Classification and identification of treatment;
• Referral, treatment or counselling of the child’s caretaker (depending on the
classification(s) identified);
• Follow-up care.
Referral Health Facility

• Emergency triage assessment and treatment (ETAT);
• Diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patient progress.
Appropriate Home Management

• Teaching mothers or other caretakers how to give oral drugs and treat local infections
at home;
• Counselling mothers or other caretakers about food (feeding recommendations,
feeding problems); fluids; when to return to the health facility; and her own health.
Depending on a child’s age, various clinical signs and symptoms have different degrees
of reliability and diagnostic value and importance. Therefore, the IMCI guidelines
recommend case management procedures based on two age categories:
• Children age 2 months up to 5 years
• Young infants age 1 week up to 2 months
8
Figure 3. IMCI Case Management in the Outpatient Health Facility,
First-level Referral Facility and at Home
For the Sick Child From Age 2 Months up to 5 Years
The Integrated
The Integrated Case
Case Management
Management Process
Process
OUTPATIENT HEALTH
OUTPATIENT HEALTH FACILITY
FACILITY
Check for
Check for DANGER
DANGER SIGNS
SIGNS
Convulsions
Convulsions
Lethargy/Unconsciousness
Lethargy/Unconsciousness
Inability to
Inability to Drink/Breastfeed
Drink/Breastfeed
Vomiting
Vomiting
Assess MAIN
Assess MAIN SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOMS
Cough/Difficulty Breathing
Cough/Difficulty Breathing
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea
Fever
Fever
Ear Problems
Ear Problems
Assess NUTRITION
Assess NUTRITION and
and
IMMUNIZATION STATUS
IMMUNIZATION STATUS and
and
POTENTIAL FEEDING
POTENTIAL FEEDING
PROBLEMS
PROBLEMS
Check for
Check for OTHER
OTHER PROBLEMS
PROBLEMS
CLASSIFY CONDITIONS
CLASSIFY CONDITIONS andand
IDENTIFY TREATMENT
IDENTIFY TREATMENT
ACTIONS
ACTIONS
According to
According to Colour-Coded
Colour-Coded
Treatment Charts
Treatment Charts
OUTPATIENT
OUTPATIENT
PINK
PINK YELLOW
YELLOW
HEALTH
HEALTH FACILITY
FACILITY
Urgent
Urgent Referral
Referral
Pre-referral Treatment at
Treatment at HOME
Pre-referral HOME
Treatments
Treatments Outpatient
Outpatient
OUTPATIENT
OUTPATIENTHealth
Health Caretaker is
Caretaker is
Advise Parents
Advise Parents Facility
HEALTH FACILITY
Facility
HEALTH FACILITY counseled on
counseled on how
how
Refer Child
Refer Child Treat Local
Treat Local Infection
Infection to:
to:
Give Oral
Oral Drugs
Drugs
GREEN
GREEN
Give oral
oral drugs
Give Give drugs
Advise and
and Teach
Teach Home
Home
Treat Management
Management
local infections
Advise Treat local infections
Caretaker
Caretaker at home
at home
Follow-up
Follow-up Continue feeding
Continue feeding
When to
When to return
return
immediately
immediately
Follow-up
Follow-up
REFERRAL
REFERRAL
FACILITY
FACILITY
Emergency
Emergency
PINK
PINKTriage
Triage
Urgent
Urgent
and
and Referral
Referral
Treatment
Treatment
(ETAT)
(ETAT)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment
Monitoring and
and
9
Monitoring
Follow-up
Follow-up
OUTPATIENT MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN
AGE 2 MONTHS UP TO 5 YEARS
ASSESSMENT OF SICK CHILDREN

The assessment procedure for this age group includes a number of important steps that
must be taken by the health care provider, including: (1) history taking and
communicating with the caretaker about the child’s problem; (2) checking for general
danger signs; (3) checking main symptoms; (4) checking nutritional status; (5) assessing
the child’s feeding; (6) checking immunization status; and (7) assessing other problems.
COMMUNICATING WITH THE CARETAKER
Communicating- History Taking

General Danger Signs
Main Symptoms
Cough or Difficult Breathing
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
It is critical to communicate effectively with the child's mother or caretaker. Good

communication techniques and an integrated assessment are required to ensure that
common problems or signs of disease or malnutrition are not overlooked. Using good
communication helps to reassure the mother or caretaker that the child will receive good
care. In addition, the success of home treatment depends on how well the mother or
caretaker knows how to give the treatment and understands its importance.
The steps to good communication are:
• Listen carefully to what the caretaker says. This will show them that you take their
concerns seriously.
• Use words the caretaker understands. Try to use local words and avoid medical
terminology.
• Give the caretaker time to answer questions. S/he may need time to reflect and
decide if a clinical sign is present.
1
• Ask additional questions when the caretaker is not sure about the answer. A
caretaker may not be sure if a symptom or clinical sign is present. Ask additional
questions to help her/him give clear answers.
CHECKING FOR GENERAL DANGER SIGNS

Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
A sick child brought to an outpatient facility may have signs that clearly indicate a
specific problem. For example, a child may present with chest indrawing and cyanosis,
which indicate severe pneumonia. However, some children may present with serious,
non-specific signs called "general danger signs" that do not point to a particular
diagnosis. For example, a child who is lethargic or unconscious may have meningitis,
severe pneumonia, cerebral malaria or another severe disease. Great care should be taken
to ensure that these general danger signs are not overlooked because they suggest that a
child is severely ill and needs urgent attention.
The following danger signs should be routinely checked in all children.
• The child has had convulsions during the present illness. Convulsions may be the
result of fever. In this instance, they do little harm beyond frightening the mother. On
the other hand, convulsions may be associated with meningitis, cerebral malaria or
other life-threatening conditions. All children who have had convulsions during the
present illness should be considered seriously ill.
LETHARGY
• The child is unconscious or lethargic. An UNCONSCIOUSNESS
unconscious child is likely to be seriously ill. A
lethargic child, who is awake but does not take
any notice of his or her surroundings or does not VOMITING
DANGER CONVULSIONS
respond normally to sounds or movement, may SIGNS
also be very sick. These signs may be associated
with many conditions.
INABILITY TO DRINK
OR BREASTFEED
• The child is unable to drink or breastfeed. A
child may be unable to drink either because s/he
is too weak or because s/he cannot swallow. Do not rely completely on the mother's
1
evidence for this, but observe while she tries to breastfeed or to give the child
something to drink.
• The child vomits everything. The vomiting itself may be a sign of serious illness, but
it is also important to note because such a child will not be able to take medication or
fluids for rehydration.
If a child has one or more of these signs, s/he must be considered seriously ill and will
almost always need referral. In order to start treatment for severe illnesses without delay,
the child should be quickly assessed for the most important causes of serious illness and
death — acute respiratory infection (ARI), diarrhoea, and fever (especially associated
with malaria and measles). A rapid assessment of nutritional status is also essential, as
malnutrition is another main cause of death.
CHECKING MAIN SYMPTOMS
After checking for general danger signs, the health care provider must check for main
symptoms. The generic IMCI clinical guidelines suggest the following four: (1) cough or
difficult breathing; (2) diarrhoea; (3) fever; and (4) ear problems.
The first three symptoms are included because they often result in death. Ear problems
are included because they are considered one of the main causes of childhood disability
in low- and middle-income countries.
COUGH OR DIFFICULT BREATHING

Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
A child presenting with cough or difficult breathing should first be assessed for general
danger signs. This child may have pneumonia or another severe respiratory infection.
After checking for danger signs, it is essential to ask the child’s caretaker about this
main symptom.
Clinical Assessment
1
Three key clinical signs are used to assess a sick child with cough or difficult breathing:
• Respiratory rate, which distinguishes children who have pneumonia from those who
do not;
• Lower chest wall indrawing, which indicates severe pneumonia; and
• Stridor, which indicates those with severe pneumonia who require hospital
admission.
No single clinical sign has a better combination of sensitivity and specificity to detect
pneumonia in children under 5 than respiratory rate, specifically fast breathing. Even
auscultation by an expert is less sensitive as a single sign.
Cut-off rates for fast breathing (the point at which fast breathing is considered to be fast)
depend on the child’s age. Normal breathing rates are higher in children age 2 months up
to 12 months than in children age 12 months up to 5 years.
Child’s Age Cut-off Rate for Fast Breathing

2 months up to 12 months 50 breaths per minute or more
12 months up to 5 years 40 breaths per minute or more
Note: The specificity of respiratory rate for detecting pneumonia depends on the
prevalence of bacterial pneumonia among the population. In areas with high
levels of viral pneumonia, respiratory rate has relatively modest specificity.
Nevertheless, even if the use of respiratory rate leads to some overtreatment, this
will still be small compared with the current use of antibiotics for all children with
an ARI, as occurs in many clinics.
Lower chest wall indrawing, defined as the inward movement of the bony structure of
the chest wall with inspiration, is a useful indicator of severe pneumonia. It is more
specific than “intercostal indrawing,” which concerns the soft tissue between the ribs
without involvement of the bony structure of the chest wall.8 Chest indrawing should
only be considered present if it is consistently present in a calm child. Agitation, a
blocked nose or breastfeeding can all cause temporary chest indrawing.
Stridor is a harsh noise made when the child inhales (breathes in). Children who have
stridor when calm have a substantial risk of obstruction and should be referred. Some
children with mild croup have stridor only when crying or agitated. This should not be
the basis for indiscriminate referral. Sometimes a wheezing noise is heard when the child
exhales (breathes out). This is not stridor. A wheezing sound is most often associated with
asthma. Experience suggests that even where asthma rates are high, mortality from
asthma is relatively uncommon. In some cases, especially when a child has wheezing
when exhaling, the final decision on presence or absence of fast breathing can be made
8
Mulholland EK et al. Standardized diagnosis of pneumonia in developing countries. Pediatric infectious
disease journal, 1992, 11:77-81.
1
after a test with a rapid acting bronchodilator (if available). At this level, no distinction is
made between children with bronchiolitis and those with pneumonia.
Classification of Cough or Difficult Breathing
Based on a combination of the above clinical signs, children presenting with cough or
difficult breathing can be classified into three categories:
• Those who require referral for possible SEVERE PNEUMONIA OR VERY SEVERE DISEASE.
Any general danger sign or severe pneumonia

Chest indrawing or or
Stridor in calm child very severe disease
This group includes children with any general danger sign, or lower chest indrawing
or stridor when calm. Children with SEVERE PNEUMONIA OR VERY SEVERE DISEASE most
likely will have invasive bacterial organisms and diseases that may be life-
threatening. This warrants the use of injectable antibiotics.
• Those who require antibiotics as outpatients because they are highly likely to have
bacterial PNEUMONIA.
Fast breathing pneumonia
This group includes all children with fast respiratory rate for age. Fast breathing, as
defined by WHO, detects about 80 percent of children with pneumonia who need
antibiotic treatment. Treatment based on this classification has been shown to reduce
mortality.9
• Those who simply have a COUGH OR COLD and do not require antibiotics.
No signs of pneumonia or no pneumonia:

very severe disease cough or cold
Such children may require a safe remedy to a relieve cough. A child with cough and
cold normally improves in one or two weeks. However, a child with chronic cough
(more than 30 days) needs to be further assessed (and, if needed, referred) to exclude
tuberculosis, asthma, whooping cough or another problem.
DIARRHOEA
9
Sazawal S, Black RE. Meta-analysis of intervention trials on case management of pneumonia in
community settings. Lancet, 1992, 340(8818):528-533.
1
Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
A child presenting with diarrhoea should first be assessed for general danger signs and
the child's caretaker should be asked if the child has cough or difficult breathing.
Diarrhoea is the next symptom that should be routinely checked in every child brought to
the clinic. A child with diarrhoea may have three potentially lethal conditions: (1) acute
watery diarrhoea (including cholera); (2) dysentery (bloody diarrhoea); and (3) persistent
diarrhoea (diarrhoea that lasts more than 14 days). All children with diarrhoea should be
assessed for: (a) signs of dehydration; (b) how long the child has had diarrhoea; and (c)
blood in the stool to determine if the child has dysentery.
Clinical Assessment
All children with diarrhoea should be checked to determine the duration of diarrhoea, if
blood is present in the stool and if dehydration is present. A number of clinical signs are
used to determine the level of dehydration:
Child’s general condition. Depending on the degree of dehydration, a child with

diarrhoea may be lethargic or unconscious (this is also a general danger sign) or look
restless/irritable. Only children who cannot be consoled and calmed should be considered
restless or irritable.
Sunken eyes. The eyes of a dehydrated child may look sunken. In a severely
malnourished child who is visibly wasted (that is, who has marasmus), the eyes may
always look sunken, even if the child is not dehydrated. Even though the sign “sunken
eyes” is less reliable in a visibly wasted child, it can still be used to classify the child's
dehydration.
Child’s reaction when offered to drink. A child is not able to drink if s/he is not able to
take fluid in his/her mouth and swallow it. For example, a child may not be able to drink
because s/he is lethargic or unconscious. A child is drinking poorly if the child is weak
and cannot drink without help. S/he may be able to swallow only if fluid is put in his/her
mouth. A child has the sign drinking eagerly, thirsty if it is clear that the child wants to
drink. Notice if the child reaches out for the cup or spoon when you offer him/her water.
When the water is taken away, see if the child is unhappy because s/he wants to drink
1
more. If the child takes a drink only with encouragement and does not want to drink
more, s/he does not have the sign “drinking eagerly, thirsty.”
Elasticity of skin. Check elasticity of skin Standard Procedures for Skin Pinch Test
using the skin pinch test. When released, the • Locate the area on the child's abdomen
skin pinch goes back either very slowly halfway between the umbilicus and the
(longer than 2 seconds), or slowly (skin side of the abdomen; then pinch the skin
stays up even for a brief instant), or using the thumb and first finger.
• The hand should be placed so that when
immediately. In a child with marasmus
the skin is pinched, the fold of skin will be
(severe malnutrition), the skin may go back in a line up and down the child's body and
slowly even if the child is not dehydrated. In not across the child's body.
an overweight child, or a child with oedema, • It is important to firmly pick up all of the
the skin may go back immediately even if layers of skin and the tissue under them
the child is dehydrated. for one second and then release it.
After the child is assessed for dehydration, the caretaker of a child with diarrhoea should
be asked how long the child has had diarrhoea and if there is blood in the stool. This will
allow identification of children with persistent diarrhoea and dysentery.
Classification of Dehydration
Based on a combination of the above clinical signs, children presenting with diarrhoea
are classified into three categories:
• Those who have SEVERE DEHYDRATION and who require immediate IV infusion,
nasogastric or oral fluid replacement according to the WHO treatment guidelines
described in Plan C (see figure 4 under treatment procedures).
Two of the following signs:

Lethargic or unconscious
Sunken eyes
Not able to drink or drinking severe
poorly dehydration
Skin pinch goes back very slowly
Patients have severe dehydration if they have a fluid deficit equalling greater than 10
percent of their body weight. A child is severely dehydrated if he/she has any
combination of two of the following signs: is lethargic or unconscious, is not able to
drink or is drinking poorly, has sunken eyes, or a skin pinch goes back very slowly.
• Those who have SOME DEHYDRATION and who require active oral treatment with ORS
solution according to WHO treatment guidelines described in Plan B (see figure 5
under treatment procedures).
1
Two of the following signs:
Restless, irritable
Sunken eyes some
Drinks eagerly, thirsty dehydration
Skin pinch goes back slowly
Children who have any combination of the following two signs are included in this
group: restless/irritable, sunken eyes, drinks eagerly/thirsty, skin pinch goes back
slowly. Children with some dehydration have a fluid deficit equalling 5 to 10 percent
of their body weight. This classification includes both "mild" and "moderate”
dehydration, which are descriptive terms used in most paediatric textbooks.
• Those children with diarrhoea who have NO DEHYDRATION.
Not enough signs to classify as no

some or severe dehydration dehydration
Patients with diarrhoea but no signs of dehydration usually have a fluid deficit, but
equal to less than 5 percent of their body weight. Although these children lack distinct
signs of dehydration, they should be given more fluid than usual to prevent
dehydration from developing as specified in WHO Treatment Plan A (see figure 5
under treatment procedures).
Note: Antibiotics should not be used routinely for treatment of diarrhoea. Most
diarrhoeal episodes are caused by agents for which antimicrobials are not
effective, e.g., viruses, or by bacteria that must first be cultured to determine their
sensitivity to antimicrobials. A culture, however, is costly and requires several
days to receive the test results. Moreover, most laboratories are unable to detect
many of the important bacterial causes of diarrhoea.
Note: Anti-diarrhoeal drugs — including anti-motility agents (e.g., loperamide,

diphenoxylate, codeine, tincture of opium), adsorbents (e.g., kaolin, attapulgite,
smectite), live bacterial cultures (e.g., Lactobacillus, Streptococcus faecium), and
charcoal — do not provide practical benefits for children with acute diarrhoea,
and some may have dangerous side effects. These drugs should never be given to
children less than 5 years old.
Classification of Persistent Diarrhoea
Persistent diarrhoea is an episode of diarrhoea, with or

without blood, which begins acutely and lasts at least Persistent diarrhoea
accounts for up to 15 percent
14 days. It accounts for up to 15 percent of all episodes of all episodes of diarrhoea
of diarrhoea but is associated with 30 to 50 percent of but is associated with 30 to
50 percent of deaths.
1
deaths.10 Persistent diarrhoea is usually associated with weight loss and often with serious
non-intestinal infections. Many children who develop persistent diarrhoea are
malnourished, greatly increasing the risk of death. Persistent diarrhoea almost never
occurs in infants who are exclusively breast-fed.
All children with diarrhoea for 14 days or more should be classified based on the
presence or absence of any dehydration:
• Children with SEVERE PERSISTENT DIARRHOEA who also have any degree of dehydration
require special treatment and should not be managed at the outpatient health facility.
severe persistent
Dehydration present
diarrhoea
Referral to a hospital is required. As a rule, treatment of dehydration should be

initiated first, unless there is another severe classification.
• Children with PERSISTENT DIARRHOEA and no signs of dehydration can be safely

managed in the outpatient clinic, at least initially.
No dehydration persistent diarrhoea
Proper feeding is the most important aspect of treatment for most children with
persistent diarrhoea. The goals of nutritional therapy are to: (a) temporarily reduce the
amount of animal milk (or lactose) in the diet; (b) provide a sufficient intake of
energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to facilitate the repair process in the damaged
gut mucus and improve nutritional status; (c) avoid giving foods or drinks that may
aggravate the diarrhoea; and (d) ensure adequate food intake during convalescence to
correct any malnutrition.
Routine treatment of persistent diarrhoea with antimicrobials is not effective. Some

children, however, have non-intestinal (or intestinal) infections that require specific
antimicrobial therapy. The persistent diarrhoea of such children will not improve until
these infections are diagnosed and treated correctly.
Classification of Dysentery
The mother or caretaker of a child with diarrhoea should be asked if there is blood in the
stool.
• A child is classified as having DYSENTERY if the mother or caretaker reports blood in

the child’s stool.
10
Black RE. Persistent diarrhea in children in developing countries. Pediatric infectious diseases journal,
1993, 12:751-761.
1
Blood in the stool dysentery
It is not necessary to examine the stool or perform laboratory tests to diagnose dysentery.
Stool culture, to detect pathogenic bacteria, is rarely possible. Moreover, at least two days
are required to obtain the results of a culture. Although
“dysentery” is often described as a syndrome of bloody About 10 percent of all
diarrhoea with fever, abdominal cramps, rectal pain and diarrhoea episodes in
mucoid stools, these features do not always accompany children under 5 years old
are dysenteric, but these
bloody diarrhoea, nor do they necessarily define its cause up to 15 percent of
aetiology or determine appropriate treatment. all diarrhoeal deaths.
Bloody diarrhoea in young children is usually a sign of

invasive enteric infection that carries a substantial risk of serious morbidity and death.
About 10 percent of all diarrhoea episodes in children under 5 years old are dysenteric,
but these cause up to 15 percent of all diarrhoeal deaths.11
Dysentery is especially severe in infants and in children who are undernourished, who
develop clinically-evident dehydration during their illness, or who are not breast-fed. It
also has a more harmful effect on nutritional status than acute watery diarrhoea.
Dysentery occurs with increased frequency and severity in children who have measles or
have had measles in the preceding month, and diarrhoeal episodes that begin with
dysentery are more likely to become persistent than those that start without blood in the
stool.
All children with dysentery (bloody diarrhoea) should be treated promptly with an
antibiotic effective against Shigella because: (a) bloody diarrhoea in children under 5 is
caused much more frequently by Shigella than by any other pathogen; (b) shigellosis is
more likely than other causes of diarrhoea to result in complications and death if effective
antimicrobial therapy is not begun promptly; and (c) early treatment of shigellosis with
an effective antibiotic substantially reduces the risk of severe morbidity or death.
11
The management of bloody diarrhoea in young children. Document WHO/CDD/94.9 Geneva,
World Health Organization, 1994
1
FEVER

Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
All sick children should be checked for fever. Fever is a very common condition and is
often the main reason for bringing children to the health centre. It may be caused by
minor infections, but may also be the most obvious sign of a life-threatening illness,
particularly malaria (especially lethal malaria P.falciparum), or other severe infections,
including meningitis, typhoid fever, or measles. When diagnostic capacity is limited, it is
important first to identify those children who need urgent referral with appropriate pre-
referral treatment (antimalarial or antibacterial).
Clinical Assessment
Body temperature should be checked in all sick children brought to an outpatient clinic.
Children are considered to have fever if their body temperature is above 37.5°C axillary
(38°C rectal). In the absence of a thermometer, children are considered to have fever if
they feel hot. Fever also may be recognised based on a history of fever.
A child presenting with fever should be assessed for:
Stiff neck. A stiff neck may be a sign of meningitis, cerebral malaria or another very
severe febrile disease. If the child is conscious and alert, check stuffiness by tickling the
feet, asking the child to bend his/her neck to look down or by very gently bending the
child’s head forward. It should move freely.
Risk of malaria and other endemic infections. In situations where routine microscopy is
not available or the results may be delayed, the risk of malaria transmission must be
defined. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed definitions of malaria risk
settings for countries and areas with risk of malaria caused by P. falciparum. A high
malaria risk setting is defined as a situation in which more than 5 percent of cases of
febrile disease in children age 2 to 59 months are malarial disease. A low malarial risk
setting is a situation where fewer than 5 percent of cases of febrile disease in children age
2 to 59 months are malarial disease, but in which the risk is not negligible. If malaria
transmission does not normally occur in the area, and imported malaria is uncommon, the
2
setting is considered to have no malaria risk. Malaria risk can vary by season. The
national malaria control programme normally defines areas of malaria risk in a country.
If other endemic infections with public health importance for children under 5 are present
in the area (e.g., dengue haemorrhagic fever or relapsing fever), their risk should be also
considered. In such situations, the national health authorities normally adapt the IMCI
clinical guidelines locally.
Runny nose. When malaria risk is low, a child with fever and a runny nose does not need
an antimalarial. This child's fever is probably due to a common cold.
Duration of fever. Most fevers due to viral illnesses go away within a few days. A fever
that has been present every day for more than five days can mean that the child has a
more severe disease such as typhoid fever. If the fever has been present for more than
five days, it is important to check whether the fever has been present every day.
Measles. Considering the high risk of complications and death due to measles, children
with fever should be assessed for signs of current or previous measles (within the last
three months). Measles deaths occur from pneumonia and larynigotracheitis (67 percent),
diarrhoea (25 percent), measles alone, and a few from encephalitis. Other complications
(usually nonfatal) include conjunctivitis, otitis media, and mouth ulcers. Significant
disability can result from measles including blindness, severe malnutrition, chronic lung
disease (bronchiectasis and recurrent infection), and neurologic dysfunction.12
Detection of acute (current) measles is based on fever with a generalised rash, plus at
least one of the following signs: red eyes, runny nose, or cough. The mother should be
asked about the occurrence of measles within the last three months (recent measles).
Despite great success in improving immunization coverage in many countries, substantial
numbers of measles cases and deaths continue to occur. Although the vaccine should be
given at 9 months of age, immunization often does not take place (because of false
contraindications, lack of vaccine, or failure of a cold chain), or is delayed. In addition,
many measles cases occur early in a child’s life (between 6 and 8 months of age),
especially in urban and refugee populations.
If the child has measles currently or within the last three months, s/he should be assessed
for possible complications. Measles damages the epithelial surfaces and the immune
system, and lowers vitamin A levels. This results in increased susceptibility to infections
caused by pneumococcus, gram-negative bacteria, and adenovirus. Recrudescence of
herpes virus, Candida, and malaria can also occur during measles infection. It is
important to check every child with recent or current measles for possible mouth or eye
complications. Other possible complications such as pneumonia, stridor in a calm child,
diarrhoea, malnutrition and ear infection are assessed in relevant sections of the IMCI
clinical guidelines.
12
World Health Organization. Technical basis for the case management of measles. Document
WHO/EPI/95. Geneva, WHO, 1995.
2
Before classifying fever, check for other obvious causes of fever (e.g. ear pain, burn,
abscess, etc.).
Classification of Fever
• All children with fever and any general danger sign or stiff neck are classified as
having VERY SEVERE FEBRILE DISEASE and should be urgently referred to a hospital after
pre-referral treatment with antibiotics (the same choice as for severe pneumonia or
very severe disease).
Any danger sign or
very severe febrile disease
Stiff neck
Note: In areas where malaria P.falciparum is present, such children should also
receive a pre-referral dose of an antimalarial (intramuscular quinine).
Further classifications will depend on the level of malaria risk in the area.
• In a high malaria risk area or season, children with fever and no general danger sign
or stiff neck should be classified as having MALARIA.
Fever (by history or feels hot or

malaria
temperature 37.5°C or above)
Presumptive treatment for malaria should be given to all children who present with
fever in the clinic, or who have a history of fever during this illness. Although a
substantial number of children will be treated for malaria when in fact they have
another febrile illness, presumptive treatment for malaria is justified in this category
given the high rate of malaria risk and the possibility that another illness might cause
the malaria infection to progress. This recommendation is intended to maximise
sensitivity, ensuring that as many true cases as possible receive proper antimalarial
treatment.13
• In a low malarial risk area or season, children with fever (or history of fever) and no
general danger sign or stiff neck are classified as having MALARIA and given an
antimalarial only if they have no runny nose (a sign of ARI), no measles, and no other
obvious cause of fever (pneumonia, sore throat, etc.).
NO runny nose and NO measles and NO other
causes of fever malaria
13
Management of uncomplicated malaria and the use of antimalarial drugs for the protection of travellers.
Report of an informal consultation, Geneva, 18-21 September 1995. Geneva, World Health Organization,
1997 (unpublished document WHO/MAL/96.1075 Rev 1 1997; available on request from Division of
Control of Tropical Diseases (CTD)).
2
Evidence of another infection lowers the probability that the child's illness is due to
malaria. Therefore, children in a low malaria risk area or season, who have evidence
of another infection, should not be given an antimalarial.
• In a low malaria risk area or season, children with runny nose, measles or clinical
signs of other possible infection are classified as having FEVER — MALARIA UNLIKELY.
These children need follow-up. If their fever lasts more than five days, they should be
referred for further assessment to determine causes of prolonged pyrexia. If possible,
in low malaria risk settings, a simple malaria laboratory test is highly advisable.
Runny nose PRESENT or

Measles PRESENT or fever – malaria unlikely
Other causes of fever PRESENT
• In a no malaria risk area or season an attempt should be made to distinguish cases

of possible bacterial infection, which require antibiotic treatment, from cases of non-
complicated viral infection. Presence of a runny nose in such situations has no or very
little diagnostic value.
When there are obvious causes of fever present — such as pneumonia, ear infection,
or sore throat —children could be classified as having POSSIBLE BACTERIAL INFECTION
and treated accordingly.
Obvious causes of fever possible bacterial infection
• In a no malaria risk area or season, if no clinical signs of obvious infection are

found, the working classification becomes UNCOMPLICATED FEVER.
NO obvious causes of fever uncomplicated fever
Such children should be followed up in two days and assessed further. As in other
situations, all children with fever lasting more than five days should be referred for
further assessment.
Note: Children with high fever, defined as an axillary temperature greater than
39.5°C or a rectal greater than 39°C, should be given a single dose of paracetamol
to combat hyperthermia.
Classification of Measles
All children with fever should be checked for signs of current or recent measles (within
the last three months) and measles complications.
2
• SEVERE COMPLICATED MEASLES is present when a child with measles displays any
general danger sign, or has severe stomatitis with deep and extensive mouth ulcers or
severe eye complications, such as clouding of the cornea. These children should be
urgently referred to a hospital.
Any danger sign or

Clouding of cornea or severe complicated measles
Deep or extensive mouth ulcers
• Children with less severe measles complications, such as pus draining from the eye (a
sign of conjunctivitis) or non-deep and non-extensive mouth ulcers, are classified as
MEASLES WITH EYE OR MOUTH COMPLICATIONS. These children can be safely treated at the
outpatient facility. This treatment includes oral vitamin A, tetracycline ointment for
children with pus draining from the eye, and gentian violet for children with mouth
ulcers.
Pus draining from the eye or measles with eye or mouth

Mouth ulcers complications
Children classified with pneumonia, diarrhoea or ear infection AND measles with eye
or mouth complications should be treated for the other classification(s) AND given a
vitamin A treatment regimen. Because measles depresses the immune system, these
children may be also referred to hospital for treatment.
• If no signs of measles complications have been found after a complete examination, a

child is classified as having MEASLES. These children can be effectively and safely
managed at home with vitamin A treatment.
Measles now or within the last three months measles
EAR PROBLEMS

Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
2
Immunization Status
Other Problems
Ear problems are the next condition that should be checked in all children brought to the
outpatient health facility. A child presenting with an ear problem should first be assessed
for general danger signs, cough or difficult breathing, diarrhoea and fever. A child with an
ear problem may have an ear infection. Although ear infections rarely cause death, they
are the main cause of deafness in low-income areas, which in turn leads to learning
problems .
Clinical Assessment
When otoscopy is not available, look for the following simple clinical signs:
Tender swelling behind the ear. The most serious complication of an ear infection is a
deep infection in the mastoid bone. It usually manifests with tender swelling behind one
of the child’s ears. In infants, this tender swelling also may be above the ear. When both
tenderness and swelling are present, the sign is considered positive and should not be
mistaken for swollen lymph nodes.
Ear pain. In the early stages of acute otitis, a child may have ear pain, which usually
causes the child to become irritable and rub the ear frequently.
Ear discharge or pus. This is another important sign of an ear infection. When a mother
reports an ear discharge, the health care provider should check for pus drainage from the
ears and find out how long the discharge has been present.
Classification of Ear Problems
Based on the simple clinical signs above, the child’s condition can be classified in the
following ways:
• Children presenting with tenderness and swelling of the mastoid bone are classified as
having MASTOIDITIS and should be referred to the hospital for treatment. Before
referral, these children first should receive a dose of antibiotic and a single dose of
paracetamol for pain.
Tender swelling behind the ear mastoiditis
• Children with ear pain or ear discharge (or pus) for fewer than 14 days are classified
as having ACUTE EAR INFECTION and should be treated for five days with the same first-
line antibiotic as for pneumonia.
2
Ear discharge for fewer than 14 days or
Ear pain
acute ear infection
• If there is ear discharge (or pus) for more then 14 days, the child’s classification is
CHRONIC EAR INFECTION. Dry the ear by wicking. Generally, antibiotics are not
recommended because they are expensive and their efficacy is not proven.
Ear discharge for more than 14 days chronic ear infection
• If no signs of ear infection are found, children are classified as having NO EAR
INFECTION and do not require any specific treatment.
NO ear pain and NO ear discharge seen

draining from the ear
no ear infection
2
CHECKING NUTRITIONAL STATUS — MALNUTRITION AND ANAEMIA

Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
After assessing for general danger signs and the four main symptoms, all children should
be assessed for malnutrition and anaemia. There are two main reasons for routine
assessment of nutritional status in sick children: (1) to identify children with severe
malnutrition who are at increased risk of mortality and need urgent referral to provide
active treatment; and (2) to identify children with sub-optimal growth resulting from
ongoing deficits in dietary intake plus repeated episodes of infection (stunting), and who
may benefit from nutritional counselling and resolution of feeding problems. All children
also should be assessed for anaemia.
Clinical Assessment
Because reliable height boards are difficult to find in most outpatient health facilities,
nutritional status should be assessed by looking and feeling for the following clinical
signs:
Visible severe wasting. This is defined as severe wasting of the shoulders, arms, buttocks,
and legs, with ribs easily seen, and indicates presence of marasmus.
Oedema of both feet. The presence of oedema (accumulation of fluid) in both feet may
signal kwashiorkor. Children with oedema of both feet may have other diseases like
nephrotic syndrome. There is a need, however, to differentiate these other conditions in
the outpatient settings because referral is necessary in any case.
Weight for age. When height boards are not available in outpatient settings, a weight for
age indicator (a standard WHO or national growth chart) helps to identify children with
low (Z score less than –2) or very low (Z score less than –3) weight for age who are at
increased risk of infection and poor growth and development.
[Insert illustration of Weight for Age Chart]
2
Palmar pallor. Although this clinical sign is less specific than many other clinical signs
included in the IMCI guidelines, it can allow health care providers to identify sick
children with severe anaemia often caused by malaria infection. Where feasible, the
specificity of anaemia diagnosis may be greatly increased by using a simple laboratory
test (e.g., the Hb test).
CLASSIFICATION OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ANAEMIA
Using a combination of the simple clinical signs above, children can be classified in one
of the following categories:
• Children with SEVERE MALNUTRITION OR SEVERE ANAEMIA (exhibiting visible severe

wasting, or severe palmar pallor or oedema of both feet) are at high risk of death from
various severe diseases and need urgent referral to a hospital where their treatment
(special feeding, antibiotics or blood transfusions, etc.) can be carefully monitored.
Visible severe wasting or

severe malnutrition or severe
Severe palmar pallor or
Oedema of both feet anaemia
• Children with ANAEMIA OR LOW (OR VERY LOW) WEIGHT for age also have a higher risk of
severe disease and should be assessed for feeding problems. This assessment should
identify common, important problems with feeding that feasibly can be corrected if
the caretaker is provided effective counselling and acceptable feeding
recommendations based on the child’s age.
Some palmar pallor or anaemia or

(Very) low weight for age (very) low weight
When children are classified as having ANAEMIA they should be treated with oral iron.
During treatment, the child should be seen every two weeks (follow-up), at which
time an additional 14 days of iron treatment is given. If there is no response in pallor
after two months, the child should be referred to the hospital for further assessment.
Iron is not given to children with severe malnutrition who will be referred. In areas
where there is evidence that hookworm, whipworm, and ascaris are the main causes
and contributors to anaemia and malnutrition, regular deworming with mebendazole
every four to six months is recommended. Mebendazole is inexpensive and safe in
young children.
2
• Children who are not low (or very low) weight for age and who show no other signs
of malnutrition are classified as having NO ANAEMIA AND NOT VERY LOW WEIGHT. Because
children less than 2 years old have a higher risk of feeding problems and malnutrition
than older children do, their feeding should be assessed. If problems are identified,
the mother needs to be counselled about feeding her child according to the
recommended national IMCI clinical guidelines (see following section).
NOT (very) low weight for age and no no anaemia and not
other signs of malnutrition (very) low weight
ASSESSING THE CHILD'S FEEDING
All children less than 2 years old and all children classified as ANAEMIA OR LOW (OR VERY
LOW) WEIGHT need to be assessed for feeding.
Feeding assessment includes questioning the mother or All children under age 2
caretaker about: (1) breastfeeding frequency and night should have a feeding
feeds; (2) types of complimentary foods or fluids, assessment, even if they
frequency of feeding and whether feeding is active; and have a normal Z-score.
(3) feeding patterns during the current illness. The mother
or caretaker should be given appropriate advice to help overcome any feeding problems
found (for more details, refer to the section on counselling the mother or caretaker).
CHECKING IMMUNIZATION STATUS

Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
The immunization status of every sick child brought to a health facility should be
checked. Illness is not a contraindication to immunization. In practice, sick children may
be even more in need of protection provided by immunization than well children. A
vaccine’s ability to protect is not diminished in sick children.
2
As a rule, there are only four common situations that are contraindications to
immunization of sick children:
• Children who are being referred urgently to the hospital should not be immunized.
There is no medical contraindication, but if the child dies, the vaccine may be
incorrectly blamed for the death.
• Live vaccines (BCG, measles, polio, yellow fever) should not be given to children
with immunodeficiency diseases, or to children who are immunosuppressed due to
malignant disease, therapy with immunosuppressive agents or irradiation. However,
all the vaccines, including BCG and yellow fever, can be given to children who have,
or are suspected of having, HIV infection but are not yet symptomatic.
• DPT2/ DPT3 should not be given to children who Illness is not a contraindication
have had convulsions or shock within three days to immunization. A vaccine’s
of a previous dose of DPT. DT can be ability to protect is not
administered instead of DPT. diminished in sick children.
• DPT should not be given to children with recurrent convulsions or another active
neurological disease of the central nervous system. DT can be administered instead of
DPT.
ASSESSING OTHER PROBLEMS

Main Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Fever
Ear Problems
Nutritional Status
Immunization Status
Other Problems
The IMCI clinical guidelines focus on five main symptoms. In addition, the assessment
steps within each main symptom take into account several other common problems. For
example, conditions such as meningitis, sepsis, tuberculosis, conjunctivitis, and different
causes of fever such as ear infection and sore throat are routinely assessed within the
IMCI case management process. If the guidelines are correctly applied, children with
these conditions will receive presumptive treatment or urgent referral.
Nevertheless, health care providers still need to consider other causes of severe or acute
illness. It is important to address the child’s other complaints and to ask questions about
the caretaker’s health (usually, the mother’s). Depending on a specific country’s situation,
3
other unique questions may be raised. For example, in countries where vitamin A
deficiency is a problem, sick child encounters should be used as an opportunity to update
vitamin A supplementation.
TREATMENT PROCEDURES FOR SICK CHILDREN

IMCI classifications are not necessarily specific diagnoses, but they indicate what action
needs to be taken. In the IMCI guidelines, all classifications are colour coded: pink calls
for hospital referral or admission, yellow for initiation of treatment, and green means that
the child can be sent home with careful advice on when to return. After completion of the
assessment and classification procedure, the next step is to identify treatment.
3
REFERRAL OF CHILDREN AGE 2 MONTHS UP TO 5 YEARS
All infants and children with a severe classification (pink) are referred to a hospital as
soon as assessment is completed and
necessary pre-referral treatment is
administered. Conditions requiring urgent The Referral Note Should Include:
referral are listed in Figure 4. • Name and age of the child;
• Date and time of referral;
Note: If a child only has severe • Description of the child's problems;
dehydration and no other severe • Reason for referral (symptoms and signs
classification, and IV infusion is leading to severe classification);
available in the outpatient clinic, an • Treatment that has been given;
• Any other information that the referral
attempt should be made to health facility needs to know in order to
rehydrate the sick child. care for the child, such as earlier treatment
of the illness or any immunizations
Successful referral of severely ill children needed.
to the hospital depends on effective
counselling of the caretaker. If s/he does
not accept referral, available options (to treat the child by repeated clinic or home visits)
should be considered. If the caretaker accepts referral, s/he should be given a short, clear
referral note, and should get information on what to do during referral transport,
particularly if the hospital is distant.
Urgent Pre-referral Treatments for Children Age 2 Months Up To 5 Years

(see Figure 4)
• Appropriate antibiotic
• Quinine (for severe malaria)
• Vitamin A
• Prevention of hypoglycemia with breastmilk or sugar water
• Oral antimalarial
• Paracetamol for high fever (38.5°C or above) or pain
• Tetracycline eye ointment (if clouding of the cornea or pus draining from eye)
• ORS solution so that the mother can give frequent sips on the way to the hospital
Note: The first four treatments above are urgent because they can prevent serious
consequences such as progression of bacterial meningitis or cerebral malaria, corneal
rupture due to lack of vitamin A, or brain damage from low blood sugar. The other
listed treatments are also important to prevent worsening of the illness.
Non-urgent treatments, e.g., wicking a draining ear or providing oral iron treatment,
should be deferred to avoid delaying referral or confusing the caretaker.
If a child does not need urgent referral, check to see if the child needs non-urgent
referral for further assessment; for example, for a cough that has lasted more than 30
days, or for fever that has lasted five days or more. These referrals are not as urgent, and
other necessary treatments may be done before transporting for referral.
3
Figure 4
URGENT PRE-REFERRAL TREATMENTS FOR THE SICK CHILD
FROM AGE 2 MONTHS UP TO 5 YEARS
CLASSIFICATION TREATMENT
For all children before referral:

Prevent low blood sugar by giving breastmilk or sugar water.
If the child is convulsing, give diazepam (10 mg/2 ml solution) in

DANGER SIGN- dose 0.1 ml/kg or paraldehyde in dose 0.3 - 0.4 ml/kg rectally; if
CONVULSIONS convulsions continue after 10 minutes, give a second dose of
diazepam rectally.
Give first dose of an appropriate antibiotic. Two recommended choices are

SEVERE PNEUMONIA OR cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin. If the child cannot take an oral antibiotic
VERY SEVERE DISEASE (children in shock or those who are vomiting incessantly or are
unconscious), give the first dose of intramuscular chloramphenicol (40
mg/kg). Options for an intramuscular antibiotic for pre-referral use include
benzylpenicillin and ceftriaxone.
VERY SEVERE FEBRILE Give one dose of paracetamol for high fever (38.5°C or above).
DISEASE Give first dose of intramuscular quinine for severe malaria unless no
malaria risk.
Give first dose of an appropriate antibiotic.
SEVERE COMPLICATED Give first dose of appropriate antibiotic.

MEASLES Give vitamin A.
If there is clouding of the cornea or pus draining from the eye, apply
tetracycline eye ointment.
SEVERE DEHYDRATION
WHO Treatment Plan C
If there is no other severe classification, IV fluids should be given in the
outpatient clinic according to WHO Treatment Plan C. Give 100 ml/kg IV
fluids. Ringer's lactate solution is the preferred commercially available
solution. Normal saline does not correct acidosis or replace potassium
losses, but can be used. Plain glucose or dextrose solutions are not
acceptable for the treatment of severe dehydration.
If IV infusion is not possible, urgent referral to the hospital for IV treatment
3
Figure 4
URGENT PRE-REFERRAL TREATMENTS FOR THE SICK CHILD
FROM AGE 2 MONTHS UP TO 5 YEARS
is recommended. When referral takes more than 30 minutes, fluids should

be given by nasogastric tube. If none of these are possible and the child can
drink, ORS must be given by mouth.
Note: In areas where cholera cannot be excluded for patients less than 2
years old with severe dehydration, antibiotics are recommended. Two
recommended choices are cotrimoxazole and tetracycline.
SEVERE PERSISTENT If there is no other severe classification, treat dehydration before referral
DIARRHOEA using WHO Treatment Plan B for some dehydration and Plan C for severe
dehydration. Then refer to hospital.
MASTOIDITIS Give first dose of an appropriate antibiotic. Two recommended choices are
cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin. If the child cannot take an oral antibiotic
(children in shock or those who are vomiting incessantly or who are
unconscious), give the first dose of intramuscular chloramphenicol (40
mg/kg). Options for an intramuscular antibiotic for pre-referral use include
benzylpenicillin and ceftriaxone.
Give first dose of paracetamol for pain.
SEVERE MALNUTRITION Give first dose of vitamin A.

OR SEVERE ANAEMIA
TREATMENT IN OUTPATIENT CLINICS
The treatment associated with each non-referral classification (yellow and green) is
clearly spelled out in the IMCI guidelines. Treatment uses a minimum of affordable
essential drugs (see Figure 5).
ORAL DRUGS
Always start with a first-line drug. These are usually less expensive, more readily
available in a given country, and easier to administer. Give a second-line drug (which are
usually more expensive and more difficult to obtain) only if a first-line drug is not
available, or if the child's illness does not respond to the first-line drug. The health care
provider also needs to teach the mother or caretaker how to give oral drugs at home.
• Oral antibiotics. The IMCI chart shows how many days and how many times each
day to give the antibiotic. Most antibiotics should be given for five days. Only cholera
cases receive antibiotics for three days. The number of times to give the antibiotic
3
each day varies (two, three or four times per day). Determine the correct dose of
antibiotic based on the child’s weight. If the child’s weight is not available, use the
child’s age. Always check if the same antibiotic can be used for treatment of different
classifications a child may have. For example, the same antibiotic could be used to
treat both pneumonia and acute ear infection.
• Oral antimalarials. Oral antimalarials vary by country. Chloroquine and sulfadoxine-

pyrimethamine are the first-line and second-line drugs used in many countries.
Chloroquine is given for three days. The dose is reduced on the third day unless the
child weighs less than 10 kg. If this is a case, the child should be given the same dose
on all three days.
• Paracetamol. If a child has a high fever, give one dose of paracetamol in the clinic. If
the child has ear pain, give the mother enough paracetamol for one day, that is, four
doses. Tell her to give one dose every six hours or until the ear pain is gone.
• Iron. A child with anaemia needs iron. Give syrup to the child under 12 months of
age. If the child is 12 months or older, give iron tablets. Give the mother enough iron
for 14 days. Tell her to give her child one dose daily for those 14 days. Ask her to
return for more iron in 14 days. Also tell her that the iron may make the child's stools
black.
Note: If a child with some pallor is receiving the antimalarial sulfadoxine-

pyrimethamine (Fansidar), do not give iron/folate tablets until a follow-up
visit in two weeks. The iron/folate may interfere with the action of the
sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine that contains antifolate drugs. If an iron syrup
does not contain folate, a child can be given an iron syrup with sulfadoxine-
pyrimethamine.
• Antihelminth drug. If hookworm or whipworm is a problem in the area, an anaemic

child who is 2 years of age or older may need mebendazole. These infections
contribute to anaemia because of iron loss through intestinal bleeding. Give 500 mg
of mebendazole as a single dose in the clinic.
• Vitamin A. Vitamin A is given to a child with measles or severe malnutrition. Vitamin

A helps resist the measles virus infection in the eye as well as in the layer of cells that
line the lung, gut, mouth and throat. It may also help the immune system to prevent
other infections. Vitamin A is available in capsule and syrup form. Use the child's age
to determine the dose, and give two doses. Give the first dose to the child in the
clinic. Give the second dose to the mother to give her child the next day at home.
Every dose of Vitamin A should be recorded because of danger of an overdose.
• Safe remedy for cough and cold. There is no evidence that commercial cough and
cold remedies are any more effective than simple home remedies in relieving a cough
or soothing a sore throat. Suppression of a cough is not desirable because cough is a
3
physiological reflex to eliminate lower respiratory tract secretion. Breastmilk alone is
a good soothing remedy.
TREATMENT OF LOCAL INFECTIONS

Eye Treatment for Children
If the child, age 2 months up to 5 years, has a local
Being Referred
infection, the mother or caretaker should be taught
how to treat the infection at home. If the child will be referred, and the
child needs treatment with
Instructions may be given about how to: tetracycline eye ointment, clean the
eye gently. Pull down the lower lid.
• Treat eye infection with tetracycline eye ointment; Squirt the first dose of tetracycline
• Dry the ear by wicking to treat ear infection; eye ointment onto the lower eyelid.
• Treat mouth ulcers with gentian violet; The dose is about the size of a
grain of rice.
• Soothe the throat and relieve the cough with a
safe remedy.
Figure 5
TREATMENT IN THE OUTPATIENT HEALTH FACILITY OF
THE SICK CHILD FROM AGE 2 MONTHS UP TO 5 YEARS
PNEUMONIA Give appropriate antibiotic for five days.

The choice of antibiotic is based on the fact that most childhood pneumonia of
bacterial origin is due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
The treatment of non-severe pneumonia can utilise a five-day course of either
oral cotrimoxazole or amoxicillin. These two oral antibiotics are usually
effective treatment for these two bacteria, both are relatively inexpensive, widely
available, and are on the essential drug list of most countries. [The advantages of
cotrimoxazole are that it is used twice a day, is affordable and compliance is
good. It has been shown that with a twice-daily dosing, compliance levels can
reach 75 percent or higher. Amoxicillin is almost twice as expensive as
cotrimoxazole and standard dosages are usually given three times a day. The
compliance with three-times-a-day dosing is about 60 percent or less.]
Soothe the throat and relieve the cough with a safe remedy.
NO PNEUMONIA – COUGH Soothe the throat and relieve the cough with a safe remedy.
OR COLD
3
Figure 5
WHO Treatment Plan B

Give initial treatment with ORS over a period of four hours. The approximate
amount of ORS required (in ml) can be calculated by multiplying the child’s
weight (in kg) times 75; during these four hours, the mother slowly gives the
recommended amount of ORS by spoonfuls or sips. Note: If the child is breast-
fed, breast-feeding should continue.
SOME DEHYDRATION
After four hours, the child is reassessed and reclassified for dehydration, and
feeding should begin; resuming feeding early is important to provide required
amounts of potassium and glucose. When there are no signs of dehydration, the
child is put on Plan A. If there is still some dehydration, Plan B should be
repeated. If the child now has severe dehydration, the child should be put on
Plan C.
WHO Treatment Plan A

Plan A focuses on the three rules of home treatment: give extra fluids, continue
feeding, and advise the caretaker when to return to the doctor (if the child
develops blood in the stool, drinks poorly, becomes sicker, or is not better in
three days).
Fluids should be given as soon as diarrhoea starts; the child should take as much
as s/he wants. Correct home therapy can prevent dehydration in many cases.
ORS may be used at home to prevent dehydration. However, other fluids that are
commonly available in the home may be less costly, more convenient and almost
as effective. Most fluids that a child normally takes can also be used for home
therapy especially when given with food.
Recommended home fluid should be:
• Safe when given in large volumes. Very sweet tea, soft drinks, and
NO DEHYDRATION
sweetened fruit drinks should be avoided. These are often hyperosmolar
owing to their high sugar content (less than 300 mOsm/L). They can cause
osmotic diarrhoea, worsening dehydration and hypenatremia. Also to be
avoided are fluids with purgative action and stimulants (e.g., coffee, some
medicinal teas or infusions).
• Easy to prepare. The recipe should be familiar and its preparation should not
require much effort or time. The required ingredients and measuring utensils
should be readily available and inexpensive.
• Acceptable. The fluid should be one that the mother is willing to give freely
to a child with diarrhoea and that the child will readily accept.
• Effective. Fluids that are safe are also effective. Most effective are fluids that
contain carbohydrates and protein and some salt. However, nearly the same
result is obtained when fluids are given freely along with weaning foods that
contain salt.
3
Figure 5
Encourage the mother to continue breastfeeding.

If yoghurt is available, give it in place of any animal milk usually taken by the
child; yoghurt contains less lactose and is better tolerated. If animal milk must be
given, limit it to 50 ml/kg per day; greater amounts may aggravate the diarrhoea.
If milk is given, mix it with the child's cereal and do not dilute the milk. At least
PERSISTENT DIARRHOEA half of the child's energy intake should come from foods other than milk or milk
products. Foods that are hyperosmolar (these are usually foods or drinks made
very sweet by the addition of sucrose, such as soft drinks or commercial fruit
drinks) should be avoided. They can worsen diarrhoea.
Food needs to be given in frequent, small meals, at least six times a day. All
children with persistent diarrhoea should receive supplementary multivitamins
and minerals (copper, iron, magnesium, zinc) each day for two weeks.
The four key elements of dysentery treatment are:

• Antibiotics
• Fluids
• Feeding
• Follow-up
DYSENTERY
Selection of an antibiotic is based on sensitivity patterns of strains of Shigella
isolated in the area (nalidixic acid is the drug of choice in many areas).
Recommended duration of treatment is five days. If after two days (during
follow-up) there is no improvement, the antibiotic should be stopped and a
different one used.
Give an oral antimalarial drug. The selection of first-line and second-line

treatment for P.falciparum malaria in endemic countries is an important decision
made by health regulating authorities (e.g., Ministry of Health) based on
MALARIA
information and technical advise provided by malaria control programmes.
Generic IMCI guidelines suggest that chloroquine is the first-line and
sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is the second-line antimalarial.
Give one dose of paracetamol for high fever (38.5˚C or above).
FEVER – MALARIA
UNLIKELY
POSSIBLE BACTERIAL Give one dose of paracetamol for high fever (38.5˚C or above).
INFECTION Treat other obvious causes of fever.
UNCOMPLICATED FEVER
MEASLES WITH EYE OR
Give first dose of Vitamin A. If clouding of cornea or pus draining from the eye,
MOUTH COMPLICATIONS
apply tetracycline eye ointment. If mouth ulcers, treat with gentian violet.
MEASLES CURRENTLY
(OR WITHIN THE LAST 3 Give first dose of Vitamin A.
MONTHS)
3
Figure 5
Give appropriate antibiotic for five days.

ACUTE EAR INFECTION Give one dose of paracetamol for pain.
Dry the ear by wicking.
CHRONIC EAR
Dry the ear by wicking.
INFECTION
Assess the child’s feeding and counsel the mother accordingly on feeding.
ANAEMIA OR LOW If pallor is present: give iron; give oral antimalarial if high malaria risk. In areas
WEIGHT where hookworm or whipworm is a problem, give mebendazole if the child is 2
years or older and has not had a dose in the previous six months.
NO ANAEMIA AND NOT

If the child is less than 2 years old, assess the child’s feeding and counsel the
LOW WEIGHT
mother accordingly on feeding.
COUNSELLING A MOTHER OR CARETAKER
A child who is seen at the clinic needs to continue treatment, feeding and fluids at home.
The child's mother or caretaker also needs to recognize when the child is not improving,
or is becoming sicker. The success of home treatment depends on how well the mother or
caretaker knows how to give treatment, understands its importance and knows when to
return to a health care provider.
The steps to good communication were listed earlier. Some advice is simple; other advice
requires teaching the mother or caretaker how to do a task. When you teach a mother
how to treat a child, use three basic teaching steps: give information; show an example;
let her practice.
When teaching the mother or caretaker: (1) use words that s/he understands; (2) use
teaching aids that are familiar; (3) give feedback when s/he practices, praise what was
done well and make corrections; (4) allow more practice, if needed; and (5) encourage
the mother or caretaker to ask questions and then answer all questions. Finally, it is
important to check the mother’s or caretaker's understanding.
The content of the actual advice will depend on the child’s condition and classifications.
Below are essential elements that should be considered when counselling a mother or
caretaker:
• Advise to continue feeding and increase fluids during illness;
3
• Teach how to give oral drugs or to treat local infection;
• Counsel to solve feeding problems (if any);
• Advise when to return.
Advise to continue feeding and increase fluids: The IMCI guidelines give feeding
recommendations for different age groups. These feeding recommendations are
appropriate both when the child is sick and when the child is healthy. During illness,
children’s appetites and thirst may be decreased. However, mothers and caretakers should
be counselled to increase fluids and to offer the types of food recommended for the
child's age, as often as recommended, even though a child may take small amounts at
each feeding. After illness, good feeding helps make up for weight loss and helps prevent
malnutrition. When the child is well, good feeding helps prevent future illness.
Teach how to give oral drugs or to treat local infection at home: Simple steps should be
followed when teaching a mother or caretaker how to give oral drugs or treat local
infections. These steps include: (1) determine the appropriate drugs and dosage for the
child's age or weight; (2) tell the mother or caretaker what the treatment is and why it
should be given; (3) demonstrate how to measure a dose; (4) describe the treatment steps;
(5) watch the mother or caretaker practise measuring a dose; (6) ask the mother or
caretaker to give the dose to the child; (7) explain carefully how, and how often, to do the
treatment at home; (8) explain that All oral drug tablets or syrups must be used to finish
the course of treatment, even if the child gets better; (9) check the mother's or caretaker's
understanding.
Counsel to solve feeding problems (if any): Based on the type of problems identified, it
is important to give correct advice about the nutrition of the young child both during and
after illness. Sound advice that promotes breastfeeding, improved weaning practices with
locally appropriate energy- and nutrient-rich foods, and giving nutritious snacks to
children 2 years or older, can counter the adverse effect infections have on nutritional
status. Specific and appropriate complementary foods should be recommended and the
frequency of feeding by age should be explained clearly. Encourage exclusive
breastfeeding for the first four months, and if possible, up to six months; discourage use
of feeding bottles for children of any age; and provide guidance on how to solve
important problems with breastfeeding. The latter includes assessing the adequacy of
attachment and suckling. Specific feeding recommendations should be provided for
children with persistent diarrhoea. Feeding counselling relevant to identified feeding
problems is described in the IMCI national feeding recommendations.
Advise when to return: Every mother or caretaker who is taking a sick child home needs
to be advised about when to return to a health facility. The health care provider should (a)
teach signs that mean to return immediately for further care; (b) advise when to return for
a follow-up visit; and (c) schedule the next well-child or immunization visit.
The table below lists the specific times to advise a mother or caretaker to return to a
health facility.
4
A) IMMEDIATELY
Advise to return immediately if the child has any of these signs.
Any sick child • Not able to drink or drink or breastfeed
• Becomes sicker
• Develops a fever
If child has no PNEUMONIA: COUGH OR • Fast breathing
COLD, also return if: • Difficult breathing
If child has diarrhoea, also return if: • Blood in stool

• Drinking poorly
B) FOR FOLLOW-UP VISIT

If the child has: Return for follow-up not later than:
PNEUMONIA
DYSENTERY
MALARIA, if fever persists
FEVER MALARIA UNLIKELY or UNCOMPLICATED FEVER, if 2 days
fever persists
MEASLES WITH EYE OR MOUTH COMPLICATIONS
PERSISTENT DIARRHOEA
ACUTE EAR INFECTION
CHRONIC EAR INFECTION 5 days
FEEDING PROBLEM
ANY OTHER ILLNESS, if not improving
PALLOR 14 days
LOW (VERY LOW)WEIGHT FOR AGE 30 days
C) NEXT WELL-CHILD VISIT
Advise when to return for the next immunization according to immunization schedule.
FOLLOW-UP CARE
Some sick children will need to return for follow-up care. At a follow-up visit, see if the
child is improving on the drug or other treatment that was prescribed. Some children may
not respond to a particular antibiotic or antimalarial, and may need to try a second-line
drug. Children with persistent diarrhoea also need follow-up to be sure that the diarrhoea
has stopped. Children with fever or eye infection need to be seen if they are not
improving. Follow-up is especially important for children with a feeding problem to
ensure they are being fed adequately and are gaining weight.
4
When a child comes for follow-up of an illness, ask the mother or caretaker if the child
has developed any new problems. If she answers yes, the child requires a full assessment:
check for general danger signs and assess all the main symptoms and the child's
nutritional status.
If the child does not have a new problem, use the IMCI follow-up instructions for each
specific problem:
• Assess the child according to the instructions;

• Use the information about the child's signs to select the appropriate treatment;
• Give the treatment.
Note: If a child who comes for follow-up has several problems and is getting worse,
or returns repeatedly with chronic problems that do not respond to treatment, the child
should be referred to a hospital.
The IMCI charts contain detailed instructions on how to conduct follow-up visits for
different diseases. Follow-up visits are recommended for sick children classified as
having:
• Dysentery
• Malaria, if fever persists
• Fever – Malaria Unlikely, if fever persists
• Measles with eye or mouth complications
• Persistent diarrhoea
• Acute ear infection
• Chronic ear infection
• Feeding problem
• Pallor
• Very low weight for age
• Any other illness, if not improving
4
OUTPATIENT MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG INFANTS
AGE 1 WEEK UP TO 2 MONTHS
ASSESSMENT OF SICK YOUNG INFANTS

While there are similarities in the management of sick young infants (age 1 week up to 2
months) and children (age 2 months up to 5 years), some clinical signs observed in
infants differ from those in older children.
Note
The remainder of this chapter covers instances where the
management of young infants differs from that of the small Important information on use
child. For example, it is essential to pay attention to the of oral drugs, continued
following clinical signs as an infant’s illness can progress feeding, mother or caretaker
counselling, and assessment
rapidly to death. of immunization and nutrition
status can be found in
Assessment includes the following steps: sections of this chapter
• Checking for possible bacterial infection; devoted to treatment of
• Assessing if the young infant has diarrhoea; children age 2 months up to
5 years.
• Checking for feeding problems or low weight;
• Checking the young infant’s immunization status;
• Assessing other problems.
It is important to remember that the guidelines above are not used for a sick new-born
who is less than 1 week old. In the first week of life, new-born infants are often sick from
conditions related to labour and delivery, or have conditions that require special
management. New-borns may be suffering from asphyxia, sepsis from premature
ruptured membranes or other intrauterine infection, or birth trauma. Or they may have
trouble breathing due to immature lungs. Jaundice also requires special management in
the first week of life.
CHECKING FOR MAIN SYMPTOMS
BACTERIAL INFECTION
While the signs of pneumonia and other serious bacterial infections cannot be easily
distinguished in this age group, it is recommended that all sick young infants be assessed
first for signs of possible bacterial infection.
Clinical Assessment
Many clinical signs point to possible bacterial infection in sick young infants. The most
informative and easy to check signs are:
Convulsions (as part of the current illness). Assess the same as for older children.
4
Fast breathing. Young infants usually breathe faster than older children do. The
breathing rate of a healthy young infant is commonly more than 50 breaths per minute.
Therefore, 60 breaths per minute is the cut-off rate to identify fast breathing in this age
group. If the count is 60 breaths or more, the count should be repeated, because the
breathing rate of a young infant is often irregular. The young infant will occasionally stop
breathing for a few seconds, followed by a period of faster breathing. If the second count
is also 60 breaths or more, the young infant has fast breathing.
Severe Chest indrawing. Mild chest indrawing is normal in a young infant because of
softness of the chest wall. Severe chest indrawing is very deep and easy to see. It is a sign
of pneumonia or other serious bacterial infection in a young infant.
Nasal flaring (when an infant breathes in) and grunting (when an infant breathes out) are
an indication of troubled breathing and possible pneumonia.
A bulging fontanel (when an infant is not crying), skin pustules, umbilical redness or
pus draining from the ear are other signs that indicate possible bacterial infection.
Lethargy or unconsciousness, or less than normal movement also indicate a serious

condition.
Temperature (fever or hypothermia) may equally indicate bacterial infection. Fever

(axillary temperature more than 37.5°C or rectal temperature more than 38°C) is
uncommon in the first two months of life. Fever in a young infant may indicate a serious
bacterial infection, and may be the only sign of a serious bacterial infection. Young
infants can also respond to infection by dropping their body temperature to below 35.5°C
(36°C rectal).
Classification of Possible Bacterial Infection
There are two possible classifications for bacterial infection:
• A sick young infant with POSSIBLE SERIOUS BACTERIAL INFECTION is one who has any of
the following signs: fast breathing, severe chest indrawing, grunting, nasal flaring,
bulging fontanel, convulsions, fever, hypothermia, many or severe skin pustules,
umbilical redness extending to the skin, pus draining from the ear, lethargy,
Convulsions or
Fast breathing (60 breaths per
minute or more) or
Severe chest indrawing or
Nasal flaring or
Grunting or
Bulging fontanelle or
Pus drainage from ear or
Umbilical redness extending to possible serious bacterial
skin or
infection
Fever or hypothermia
Many or severe skin pustules or
Lethargy or unconsciousness4 or
Less than normal movement
unconsciousness, or less than normal movement. This infant should be referred
urgently to the hospital after being given intramuscular benzylpenicillin (or
ampicillin) plus gentamicin, treatment to prevent hypoglycemia, and advice to the
mother on keeping the young infant warm.
• A sick young infant with LOCAL BACTERIAL INFECTION is one who has only a few skin
pustules or an umbilicus that is red or draining pus, but without redness extending to
the skin. This infant may be treated at home with oral antibiotics but should be seen in
follow-up in two days.
Red umbilicus or draining pus or

Skin pustules
local bacterial infection
DIARRHOEA
All sick young infants should be checked for diarrhoea.
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF DIARRHOEA
Assessment, classification and management of diarrhoea in sick young infants are similar
to those in older children. However, assessing thirst by offering a drink is not reliable, so
“drinking poorly” is not used as a sign for the classification of dehydration. In addition,
all young infants with persistent diarrhoea or blood in the stool should be referred to the
hospital, rather than managed as outpatients.
FEEDING PROBLEMS OR LOW WEIGHT
All sick young infants seen in outpatient health facilities should be assessed for weight
and adequate feeding, as well as for breast-feeding technique.
Clinical Assessment
Determine weight for age. Assess the same as for older children.
Assessment of feeding. Assessment

of feeding in young infants is similar Breastfeeding: Signs of Good Attachment
• Chin touching breast;
to that in older children. It includes
• Mouth wide open;
three main types of questions about: • Lower lip turned outward; and
(1) breastfeeding frequency and • More areola visible above than below the mouth.
night feeds; (2) types of
complimentary foods or fluids,
frequency of feeding and whether feeding is active or not; and (3) feeding patterns during
this illness.
4
If an infant has difficulty feeding, or is breastfed less than 8 times in 24 hours, or taking
other foods or drinks, or low weight for age, then breastfeeding should be assessed.
Assessment of breastfeeding in young infants includes checking if the infant is able to
attach, if the infant is suckling effectively (slow, deep sucks, with some pausing), and if
there are ulcers or white patches in the mouth (thrush).
4
Classification of Feeding Problems or Low Weight
Based on an assessment of feeding and weight, a sick young infant may be classified into
three categories:
• NOT ABLE TO FEED – POSSIBLE SERIOUS BACTERIAL INFECTION. The young infant who is not
able to feed, or not attaching to the breast or not suckling effectively, has a life-
threatening problem. This could be caused by a bacterial infection or another illness.
The infant should be referred to a hospital after receiving the same pre-referral
treatment as infants with POSSIBLE SERIOUS BACTERIAL INFECTION.
Not able to feed or

not able to feed – possible
No attachment at all or
Not suckling at all bacterial infection
• Infants with FEEDING PROBLEMS OR LOW WEIGHT are those infants who present with
feeding problems like not attaching well to the breast, not suckling effectively, getting
breastmilk fewer than eight times in 24 hours, receiving other foods or drinks than
breastmilk, or those who have low weight for age or thrush (ulcers/white patches in
mouth).
Not well attached to breast or

Not suckling effectively or
Fed fewer than 8 times in 24 hours or
Receiving other foods or drinks or
Low weight for age feeding problems
Thrush or low weight
Appropriate counselling of the mother should be based on the identified feeding

problem: (a) if the infant is not well-attached or not suckling effectively, teach correct
positioning and attachment; (b) if the infant is breastfeeding fewer than eight times in
24 hours, advise the mother to increase frequency of feeding; (c) if the infant receives
other food or drinks, counsel the mother about breastfeeding more, reducing other
foods or drinks, and using a cup; (d) if the mother is not breastfeeding at all, refer for
breastfeeding counselling and possible relactation, and advise how to correctly
prepare a breastmilk substitute. In infants with thrush, teach the caretaker how to treat
thrush at home using gentian violet. Ensure follow-up for any feeding problem or
thrush in two days and follow-up low weight for age in 14 days.
• Infants with NO FEEDING PROBLEMS are those who are breastfed exclusively at least
eight times in 24 hours and whose weight is not classified as low weight for age
according to standard measures.
Not low weight for age and no other

signs of inadequate feeding
no feeding problems
4
CHECKING IMMUNIZATION STATUS
As for older children, immunization status should be checked in all sick young infants.
Equally, illness is not a contraindication to immunization.
Note: Do not give OPV 0 to an infant who is more than 14 days old. If an infant
has not received OPV 0 by the time s/he is 15 days old, OPV should be given at
age 6 weeks old as OPV 1.
ASSESSING OTHER PROBLEMS
As for older children, all sick young infants need to be assessed for other potential
problems mentioned by the mother or observed during the examination. If a potentially
serious problem is found or there is no means in the clinic to help the infant, s/he should
be referred to hospital.
TREATMENT PROCEDURES FOR SICK INFANTS

REFERRAL OF YOUNG INFANTS AGE 1 WEEK UP TO 2 MONTHS
The first step is to give urgent pre-referral treatment(s). Possible pre-referral treatments include:
• First dose of intramuscular or oral antibiotics

• Keeping the infant warm on the way to the hospital
• Prevention of hypoglycemia with breastmilk or sugar water
• Frequent sips of ORS solution on the way to the hospital
If an infant does not need urgent referral, check to see if the child needs non-urgent
referral for further assessment. These referrals are not as urgent. Other necessary
treatments may be done before referral.
Figure 6
URGENT PRE-REFERRAL TREATMENTS FOR
SICK YOUNG INFANTS AGE 1 WEEK UP TO 2 MONTHS
For all infants before referral:
Prevent low blood sugar by giving breastmilk or sugar water.
Advise mother how to keep the infant warm on the way to the hospital.
CONVULSIONS
If the child is convulsing, give diazepam (10 mg/2 ml solution) in

dose 0.1 ml/kg or paraldehyde in dose 0.3 - 0.4 ml/kg rectally; if
4
Figure 6
URGENT PRE-REFERRAL TREATMENTS FOR
SICK YOUNG INFANTS AGE 1 WEEK UP TO 2 MONTHS
convulsions continue after 10 minutes, give a second dose of
diazepam rectally. Use Phenobarbital ( 200 mg/ml solution) in a dose
of 20 mg/kg to control convulsions in infants under 2 weeks of age.
POSSIBLE SERIOUS
BACTERIAL INFECTION
Give first dose of intramuscular antibiotics. The recommended choices are
AND/OR Gentamicin (2.5 mg/kg) plus benzylpenicillin (50 000 units per kg) OR
NOT ABLE TO FEED – ceftriaxone OR cefotaxime.
POSSIBLE SERIOUS
BACTERIAL INFECTION
SEVERE DEHYDRATION See recommendations for older children, figure 4.
DYSENTERY
AND/OR See recommendations for older children, figure 4.
SEVERE PERSISTENT
DIARRHOEA
TREATMENT IN OUTPATIENT CLINICS
The treatment instructions for a young infant are given in IMCI guidelines. The
antibiotics and dosages are different than those for older children. Exceptions are the
fluid plans for treating diarrhoea and the instructions for preventing low blood sugar.
WHO Plans A, B, and C and the guidelines on how to prevent low blood sugar are used
for young infants as well as older infants and young children.
ORAL DRUGS
The first dose of oral drugs for a young infant should always be given in the clinic. In
addition, the mother or caretaker should be taught how to give an oral antibiotic at home.
That is, teaching how to measure a single dose, showing how to crush a tablet and mix it
with breastmilk, and teaching the treatment schedule.
Note: Avoid giving cotrimoxazole to a young infant less than 1 month of age who
is premature or jaundiced. Give this infant amoxycillin or benzylpenicillin
instead.
TREATMENT OF LOCAL INFECTIONS
4
There are three types of local infections in a sick young infant that a caretaker can treat
at home: an umbilicus that is red or draining pus, skin pustules, or thrush. These local
infections are treated with gentian violet.
Figure 7
TREATMENT IN THE OUTPATIENT CLINIC FOR
SICK YOUNG INFANTS FROM 1 WEEK UP TO 2 MONTHS
Give an appropriate oral antibiotic. The recommended choices are

LOCAL BACTERIAL
cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin.
INFECTION
Treat local infections and teach the mother to do it at home.
SOME DEHYDRATION
See recommendations for older children, figure 5.
NO DEHYDRATION
See recommendations for older children, figure 5.
FEEDING PROBLEM OR Give appropriate feeding advice.

LOW WEIGHT If thrush, teach the mother to treat thrush at home.
COUNSELLING A MOTHER OR CARETAKER
As with older children, the success of home treatment depends on how well the mother or
caretaker knows how to give the treatment, understands its importance, and knows when
to return to a health care provider.
Counselling the mother or caretaker of a sick young infant includes the following
essential elements:
• Teach how to give oral drugs or to treat local infection.
• Teach correct positioning and attachment for breastfeeding:

a) show the mother how to hold her infant
b) with the infant’s head and body straight
c) facing her breast, with infant’s nose opposite her nipple
d) with infant’s body close to her body
e) supporting infant’s whole body, not just neck and shoulders.
5
• Show her how to help the infant to attach. She should:
a) touch her infant’s lips with her nipple
b) wait until her infant’s mouth is opening wide
c) move her infant quickly onto her breast, aiming the infant’s lower lip well
below the nipple.
• Look for signs of good attachment and effective suckling. If the attachment or
suckling is not good, try again.
• Advise about food and fluids: advise to breastfeed frequently, as often as possible and
for as long as the infant wants, day and night, during sickness and health.
• Advise when to return:
A) IMMEDIATELY
Advise to return immediately if the infant has any of these signs:
• Breastfeeding or drinking poorly
• Becomes sicker
• Develops a fever
• Fast breathing
• Difficult breathing
• Blood in stool
B) FOR FOLLOW-UP VISIT
If the infant has: Return for follow-up not later
than:
LOCAL BACTERIAL INFECTION
ANY FEEDING PROBLEM
2 days
TRUSH
LOW WEIGHT FOR AGE 14 days
C) NEXT WELL-CHILD VISIT
Advise when to return for the next immunization according to immunization schedule.
FOLLOW-UP CARE
If the child does not have a new problem, use the IMCI follow-up instructions for each
specific problem:
• Assess the child according to the instructions;
• Use the information about the child's signs to select the appropriate treatment;
• Give the treatment.
5
IMCI charts contain detailed instructions on how to conduct follow-up visits for different
diseases. Follow-up visits are recommended for young infants who are classified as:
• Local bacterial infection
• Feeding problem or low weight (including thrush)
5
PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT OF
SICK CHILDREN IN A SMALL HOSPITAL
Severely sick children who are referred to a hospital should be further assessed using the
expertise and diagnostic capabilities of the hospital setting. However, the first step in
assessing children referred to a hospital should be triage — the process of rapid screening
to decide in which of the following groups a sick child belongs:
• Those with emergency signs who require immediate emergency treatment: obstructed
breathing, severe respiratory distress, central cyanosis, signs of shock, coma,
convulsions, or signs of severe dehydration.
• Those with priority signs who should be given priority while waiting in the queue so
they can be assessed and treated without delay: visible severe wasting, oedema of
both feet, severe palmar pallor, any sick young infant (less than 2 months), lethargy,
continual irritability and restlessness, major burns, any respiratory distress, or urgent
referral note from another health facility.
• Non-urgent cases that have neither emergency nor priority signs.
Then according to identified priority order, sick children must be examined fully so that
no important sign will be missed. The following laboratory investigations need to be
available at the small hospital in order to manage sick children:
• Haemoglobin or packed cell volume (PCV)

• Blood smear for malaria
• Blood glucose
• Microscopy of CSF and urine
• Blood grouping and cross-matching
In addition, for sick young infants (under 1 week old), the laboratory investigation for
blood bilirubin should be available. Other investigations (such as chest X-ray and stool
microscopy) are not considered essential, but could help in complicated cases.
When a child with a severe (pink) classification is admitted to a hospital, a list of possible
diagnoses should be drawn up. Remember, a sick child often has more than one diagnosis
or clinical problem requiring treatment. The diagnoses in the following table should be
considered first for each category.
An appropriate treatment is given to sick children based on the results of the diagnostic
procedures and according to the national clinical guidelines. More detailed information
about management of children at the first-level referral hospitals may be found in the
WHO publication titled Management of the child with a serious infection or severe
malnutrition—Guidelines for care at the first-referral level in developing countries
(WHO/FCH/CAH/00.1). In addition to describing the most essential treatment
5
procedures, this document outlines the main principles of monitoring the child’s progress.
The key aspects in monitoring the progress of a sick child are:
• Devising a monitoring plan. The frequency will depend on the nature and severity of
the child’s clinical condition.
• Using a standard chart to record essential information such as correct

administration of the treatment, expected progress, possible adverse effects of the
treatment, complications that may arise, possible alternative diagnosis.
• Bringing these problems to the attention of senior staff and, if necessary, changing
the treatment accordingly.
Figure 8: Possible diagnoses of children referred to hospital with four main

symptoms
MAIN SYMPTOMS AND POSSIBLE DIAGNOSES
Unconsciousness, Lethargy Cough or Difficult Diarrhoea Fever

or Convulsions Breathing
• Meningitis • Pneumonia • Acute watery • Malaria

• Cerebral malaria (only in • Malaria diarrhoea • Septicaemia
children exposed to • Severe anaemia • Cholera • Typhoid
P.falciparum transmission, • Cardiac failure • Dysentery • Urinary tract
often seasonal) • Congenital heart • Persistent diarrhoea infection
• Febrile convulsions (not disease • Diarrhoea with • HIV infection
likely to be cause of • Tuberculosis severe malnutrition • Meningitis
unconsciousness) • Pertussis foreign • Intussusception • Otitis media
• Hypoglycaemia (always body • Osteomyelitis
seek the cause) • Empyema • Septic arthritis
• Head injury • Pneumotorax • Skin and soft tissue
• Poisoning • Pneumocystis infection
• Shock (can cause lethargy pneumonia • Pneumonia
or unconsciousness, but is • Viral infections
unlikely to cause • Throat abscess
convulsions) • Sinusitis
• Acute glomerulonephritis • Measles
with encephalopathy • Meningococcal
• Diabetic ketoacidisis infection
• Relapsing fever
The following are possible • Typhus
diagnoses of young infants
• Dengue
referred to the hospital with
haemorrhagic fever
lethargy:
• Birth asphyxia, hypoxic
ischaemic
encephalopathy, birth
trauma
• Intracranial haemorrhage
5
MAIN SYMPTOMS AND POSSIBLE DIAGNOSES
Unconsciousness, Lethargy Cough or Difficult Diarrhoea Fever

or Convulsions Breathing
• Haemolytic disease of the

newborn, kernicterus
• Neonatal tetanus
• Meningitis
• Sepsis
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 World Health Organization, 2001

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness........................................... ........................1

The inequities of child health................................................................... ...................1

Outpatient management of children age 2 months up to 5 years.....................................7

Assessment of sick children.............................................................. .........................7

Treatment procedures for sick children............................................................... ......25

Assessment of sick young infants......................................................................... ....36

Treatment procedures for infants...................................................................... ........40

Principles of management of sick children in a small hospital..........................................44

THE INEQUITIES OF CHILD HEALTH

Figure 1. Distribution of 10.5 Million

Projections based on the 1996 analysis

Infant and childhood mortality are

Providing quality care to sick children in these conditions is a

RATIONALE FOR AN EVIDENCE-BASED SYNDROMIC

addresses aspects of nutrition, immunization, and other important elements of disease

Figure 2. Proportion of Global Burden of Selected Diseases Borne by Children Under 5

The guidelines take an evidence-based, syndromic approach to case management that

An evidence-based syndromic approach can be used to determine the:

In addition, IMCI promotes:

COMPONENTS OF THE INTEGRATED APPROACH

The strategy includes three main components:

THE PRINCIPLES OF INTEGRATED CARE

The IMCI guidelines are based on the following principles:

• Only a limited number of carefully-selected clinical signs are used, based on

• A combination of individual signs leads to a child’s classification(s) rather than a

• IMCI management procedures use a limited number of essential drugs and

• An essential component of the IMCI guidelines is the counselling of caretakers about

ADAPTING THE GUIDELINES TO A COUNTRY’S SITUATION

Adaptation of the IMCI guidelines normally is co-ordinated by a national health

Outpatient Health Facility

Referral Health Facility

Appropriate Home Management

ASSESSMENT OF SICK CHILDREN

COMMUNICATING WITH THE CARETAKER

Communicating- History Taking

It is critical to communicate effectively with the child's mother or caretaker. Good

The steps to good communication are:

CHECKING FOR GENERAL DANGER SIGNS

Communicating- History Taking

The following danger signs should be routinely checked in all children.

CHECKING MAIN SYMPTOMS

COUGH OR DIFFICULT BREATHING

Communicating- History Taking

Child’s Age Cut-off Rate for Fast Breathing

12 months up to 5 years 40 breaths per minute or more

Classification of Cough or Difficult Breathing

Any general danger sign or severe pneumonia

Fast breathing pneumonia

No signs of pneumonia or no pneumonia:

Communicating- History Taking

Child’s general condition. Depending on the degree of dehydration, a child with

Two of the following signs:

• Those children with diarrhoea who have NO DEHYDRATION.

Not enough signs to classify as no

Note: Anti-diarrhoeal drugs — including anti-motility agents (e.g., loperamide,

Classification of Persistent Diarrhoea

Persistent diarrhoea is an episode of diarrhoea, with or

Referral to a hospital is required. As a rule, treatment of dehydration should be

• Children with PERSISTENT DIARRHOEA and no signs of dehydration can be safely