OVERVIEW

In Afghanistan, treatment of childhood diarrhea has been implemented through the existing Basic Package of Health Services service delivery model since 2003. However coverage of treatment of diarrhea with Zinc/Oral Rehydration Salts remains as low as 5%, according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2010.

This activity is designed in close collaboration with the Government of Afghanistan and UNICEF to increase equitable access to prevention and treatment of diarrhea, through management of childhood diarrhea with Oral Rehydration Salts and Zinc. This improves the quality of prevention and treatment of diarrhea in existing health facilities as well as extends access to prevention and treatment of diarrhea with Oral Rehydration Salts and Zinc to children who are not currently reached by the Basic Package of Health Services.

The activity contributes to the reduction in child mortality rate and stunting by improving management of diarrheal diseases among children under five.

ACTIVITIES

• Build capacity of health workers, midwives, nurses, and doctors at primary health care levels for appropriate management of diarrheal diseases among the community.
• Improve the knowledge and care practices among the community and care-givers for improved prevention and management of diarrhea using Zinc and ORS.
• Increase community access to diarrhea management services (Zinc and ORS) through Community Health Workers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Twenty-four Master Trainers from Child and Adolescent Health and Community Based Health Care Departments of the Ministry of Public Health were trained in Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses including the use of Zinc/ORS.
• Management of diarrhea with Zinc/ORS was introduced as part of child health scorecard indicators. National, Provincial and District level data analysis was done and the report was widely distributed.
• The design of the cover page of Zinc/ORS co-packs was finalized and order placed for procurement of the commodity.