Health Workers‘s Perspective on Health System Barriers to Effective IMNCI Implementation among Health Workers in Chongwe and Lusaka Districts, Zambia
Abstract:
Since the introduction of the IMNCI strategy in 1995 in Zambia, the
Country has achieved good progress in reducing under-five mortality.
In spite of its introduction, implementation of IMNCI has not been at its best, the 2018 Zambia’s health facility assessment found that only 45% of health
facilities had at least 60% IMNCI trained health workers attending to sick
children whereas only 32% of health facilities received at least one
supervisory visit during the survey
period. Despite
IMNCI being a critical strategy for Zambia, very limited evidence exists on health workers’ perspective on key health
system barriers for effective implementation of IMNCI. Most of the available evidence has focused on application
of IMNCI skills. The study explored health workers perspective on Key health system
barriers for implementation of the IMNCI strategy in Chongwe and
Lusaka districts. The study employed a descriptive
exploratory mixed method design and sequentially collected quantitative and
qualitative data.
Data
was
collected from
health workers, National and District IMNCI Coordinators and Health facility assessment. The study revealed key health systems factors
such as inadequate support, Lack of Budgetary allocation for IMNCI, Poor
documentation and recording and Poor leadership and governance as barriers to implementation of IMNCI.
This study therefore proposes
a focus all
Health system building blocks rather than just focusing on service delivery and
work force related efforts as an approach that will promote responsive and resilient health
systems capable of promoting
quality
and
equitable Universal child health care services and consequently improved wellbeing of
children.
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