This chapter presents findings from several areas of importance to child health: characteristics of the neonate (birth weight and size at birth), vaccination status of children and important childhood illnesses and their treatment.
The information on birth weight and neonate’s size assists in monitoring programs to decrease neonatal and infant mortality through a reduction in low birth weight infants.
The vaccination coverage information focuses on the age groups 12-23 months and 24-25 months and the vaccinations recommended in the two years of life. Overall coverage levels at the time of the survey and by 12 months of age are shown for this age group. Additionally, the source of the vaccination information (whether based on a written vaccination card or on the mother’s recall), and the presence of home-based records are included. Differences in vaccination coverage between different subgroups of the population are an aid in program planning.
Treatment practices and contact with health services among children with the three most important childhood illnesses (symptoms of acute respiratory infection, fever and diarrhea) help in the assessment of national programs aimed at reducing the mortality impact of these illnesses. Information is provided on the prevalence and treatment of symptoms of ARI and the prevalence of fever and its treatment with antimalarial drugs and antibiotics. The treatment of diarrhea disease with oral rehydration therapy (including increased fluids) and zinc aids in the assessment of programs that recommend such treatment. Because appropriate sanitary practices can help prevent and reduce the severity of diarrheal disease, indicators are also provided on the manner of disposing of children’s fecal matter.