Immunisation
Vaccines for you and your children, on schedule, protecting the whole community.
Child Health
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)
Systematic assessment and treatment for common illnesses in children under five.
Child Health
What this service is
The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) approach is a widely used guide for assessing and treating illness in children under five. It helps a practitioner work through a series of simple questions and checks, so that the most serious causes of illness are not missed and every child gets the right treatment.
In practice it means we ask the questions that matter, look for the signs that matter, and then either treat what we find here or refer the child onwards when the illness needs more than primary care can provide.
IMCI also covers prevention and counselling. We check growth and immunisation status, look for signs of malnutrition, and advise you on feeding, fluids and when to come back.
At your visit
What to expect
Every visit is a little different, but these are the steps you can expect for this service at Ikageng Health Centre.
Danger signs
A structured check for signs such as inability to drink, vomiting everything, convulsions or unusual drowsiness.
Main symptoms
Cough and breathing, diarrhoea, fever and ear problems are each assessed in turn.
Growth check
Weight, length and mid-upper-arm measurement are taken and compared with the child’s record.
Examination
The throat, ears, abdomen and skin are examined so that nothing is missed.
Treatment
The right medicine and dose are given, and you are shown clearly how to give it.
Home care advice
Clear instructions on fluids, feeding, rest and exactly which signs mean you should return.
Reasons to visit
Why people come to us
If any of these sound like you, please come in — or phone us first if you would like to talk it through before you do.
- Your child has a fever, cough, diarrhoea or a sore ear.
- Your child is not feeding, is vomiting, or seems unusually tired or irritable.
- You need a growth or nutrition check.
- You are not sure whether your child’s symptoms are serious.
- You want advice on feeding, fluids or your child’s immunisation.
Before you come
- Bring your clinic card or any records you have.
- Bring a list of any medication and supplements you take.
- Bring the results of any tests done elsewhere.
- Write down your questions beforehand — it helps.
- Bring someone with you if you would like support.
All of our conversations are private. You are welcome to ask questions at any point, and you can ask to speak alone.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not answered here, phone us on 067 575 2528 — we are happy to talk it through.
What is IMCI?
It is a step-by-step guide that health workers follow to assess a sick child, work out what is wrong, treat it appropriately and advise the parent on home care and when to return.
What should I bring to the visit?
The child’s clinic card, and the names of any medicines you have already given your child. If you have given medicine, the amount and the time matter.
Will my child need to be admitted?
Most children can be treated at home with the right medicine and good advice. We refer to hospital only if the illness is serious or needs treatment we cannot provide here.
Can I get advice on feeding and nutrition?
Yes. Feeding advice, growth monitoring and checks for signs of malnutrition are part of the assessment.
Related
You might also need
Many of our services work hand in hand. These are the ones people ask about most often alongside IMCI.
Minor Ailments
Everyday illnesses and injuries, assessed properly, treated sensibly and sent home with clear advice.
Haemoglobin (Hb) Screening
A quick blood test for anaemia — the low iron that so often goes unnoticed.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you need this service, a routine screening, or simply have a question about your health, we are here to help.