Childhood is a time when children are particularly susceptible to a variety of illnesses due to their developing immune systems. While many of these illnesses are common and typically not serious, they can still cause concern for parents and caregivers.

The Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Student Network office of the national vice president APMCS and Luzon APMCS sm visayas apmcsn Mindanao and APMCS national capital region southern Luzon present you pinas glativi health education brought closer common childhood illnesses.

What is IMC?

Integrated management of childhood illness was initiated by the World Health Organization and UNICEF it focuses on the overall well-being of the child particularly those under five years old.

Its goal is to prevent death disease and disability while also promoting better growth and development the five conditions imci covers include pneumonia diarrhea malaria measles and malnutrition which is preventable and treatable.

Pneumonia:

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by virus’s bacteria or fungi it accounts for 15 of deaths in children under the age of five it can be spread through coughing sneezing and direct contact signs and symptoms include fever cough fast breathing with wheezing or grunting sound Chest in drawing loss of appetite or poor feeding in babies and less active to manage pneumonia give plenty of fluids provide adequate rest the need for medicine depends on the cause of pneumonia thus consult a doctor.

if it’s caused by bacteria antibiotics are prescribed immediately bring your child to the hospital in case of worsening conditions like breathing problems to prevent pneumonia vaccinate the kids with pneumococcal vaccine provide adequate nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding for children six

months old and below practices good hygiene like covering mouth when coughing and hand washing and avoid smoking in the home or near children.

Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is the passage of three or more loose keys per day it is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of five the causes include infection malnutrition contaminated water and poor hygiene.

Signs and symptoms include fever vomiting abdominal pain and cramps past three or more years’ tools in a day weight loss and dehydration which is the most severe threat to management rehydrating with oral rehydration salts.

it replaces the water and electrolytes lost gives zinc supplements provides nutritious food and seeks consultation if needed for prevention with rotavirus vaccination practices proper personal and food hygiene provides safe water and exclusive breastfeeding for children below six months old.

Malaria:

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes it is the third leading cause of death among children under five years old it usually occurs in hot tropical areas like the Philippines.

Symptoms of malaria include chills followed by fever and then sweating they last for six to ten hours and occur every two to three days depending on the parasite other symptoms are headache body pain and vomiting for management to seek consultation immediately anti-malarial drugs will be prescribed provide a tepid sponge bath give paracetamol and give plenty of fluids.

For prevention use a mosquito net over the bed install window screens apply mosquito repellent lotion or cream and let them wear long clothes.

Measles:

Measles which Paolo has is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can be spread through puffing sneezing and direct contact unvaccinated children and those with Vitamin A deficiency are at risk of developing measles manifestations of measles include high fever runny nose cough and red watery eyes later on tiny white spots and cheeks and mouth appear Then red rashes occur in the face and spread to the body for management plenty of fluids and adequate rest for fever give paracetamol avoid aspirin give food rich in vitamin A or vitamin a supplements and seek consultation if needed for prevention vaccinate your children with the MMR vaccine which is available in health centers.

Malnutrition:

Malnutrition includes undernutrition micronutrient deficiency overweight obesity and diet-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes according to UNICEF 95 children in the Philippines die every day due to malnutrition 42.4 percent of children from the poorest economic group are malnourished Republic Acts 11148 or the first 1000 days long was implemented last 2018. It aims to boost the health and nutrition programs for the mother and child in the first 1000 days which begins from pregnancy to 2 years old as these days are critical for a child’s growth and development.

For your children to prevent malnutrition encourage them to eat a variety of food like fish chicken egg rice fruits and vegetables exclusive breastfeeding for babies 6 months old and below provides safe drinking water limit them from eating salty sugary and fatty food and promote physical activities like jogging or playing children continue to die from these avoidable and treatable diseases with that

let us work together to prevent further deaths by addressing the root causes and supporting programs related to them.