1.2  Importance and objectives of the IMNCI strategy

The importance of having an Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illness strategy is that it enables a consistent and standardised approach that addresses the major causes of under-five morbidity and mortality which are responsible for more than 90% of the mortality in this age group in Ethiopia. As shown in Figure 1.1 below, the major causes of under-five mortality have been estimated as follows: pneumonia 28%, neonatal problems 25%, malaria 20%, diarrhoea 20%, measles 4%, AIDS 1% and other causes 2%. As you can also see in Figure 1.1, malnutrition is associated with nearly 60% of mortality in under-five children.

Source: Child Health in Ethiopia, Background Document for the National Child Survival Conference, April 2004, Family Health Department, Ministry of Health.

Figure 1.1  Major causes of under-five mortality in Ethiopia.