IMCI Target Conditions

An indigenous Guatemalan child drinks water from a creek. Unsafe water such as this is a common cause of diarrhea.

The DAMMM conditions combined account for 70 percent of all child deaths worldwide, amounting to 11,000,000 child deaths every year. The DAMMM conditions and diseases are diarrheal infections, acute respiratory infections, measles, malaria, and malnutrition.

DIARRHEAL DISEASES

Although death resulting from diarrhea in the United States is rare, among children in the developing world it is all too common. A lack of clean water leaves children vulnerable to a wide variety of waterborne infections which cause diarrhea. Many of the world's children drink, bathe in, and play in unsafe water. Once a child contracts diarrhea, the lack of potable water contributes to dehydration that worsens the childs condition, sometimes leading to death.

A lack of proper sanitation is another cause. Most rural families in developing countries lack indoor plumbing, many do not even have latrines. Without the proper means for disposing of waste, diarrhea becomes more prevalent. Improper sanitation can also be compounded by a lack of proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing. Many families do not know the importance of washing their hands after latrine use, or before handling food. This contributes to the spread of diarrhea.

An additional problem is the lack of knowledge to seek early treatment. When a child suffers from acute diarrhea, many mothers are unaware of how quickly the accompanying dehydration can worsen their child's condition. Some parents are unaware that diarrhea alone can be fatal to a child, and do not seek proper medical attention.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

What begins as a common cold can sometimes progress to bronchitus, pneumonia, even death. Many mothers and caretakers do not know the importance of giving their children fluids when they have a cold, or sometimes wait too long before seeking medical assistance for their children.

In the developing world, environmental conditions also contribute to higher rates of respiratory infections. For example, children constantly inhale smoke from cooking fires. A lack of paved roads means that dust fills the air every time a vehicle passes the home. Improper hygiene practices are also a factor, leading to the spread of respiratory infections.

MEASLES

Although measles was once thought to have been all but wiped out in the Americas, a recent outbreak of measles in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil and Costa Rica proves that is not the case. Measles is also one of the number one killers of children in Africa, where the American Red Cross has joined with other organizations in the Measles Initiative.

IMCI works through local Ministries of Health to improve vaccination coverage for children and conducts informational campaigns to make mothers and caregivers aware of the importance and availability of vaccinations.

MALARIA

A mosquito-borne virus, malaria is one of the chronic plagues of the developing world. Millions of children every year die from malaria alone. With no effective vaccination against malaria in existence, the disease is best held in check through prevention and early treatment.

Prevention includes keeping infants and young children under protective mosquito netting, particularly when sleeping. Stagnant waters are a breeding ground for mosquitos so proper drainage is essential, as well as keeping water containers covered. If a child contracts malaria, parents must keep their child hydrated and seek proper medical attention.

MALNUTRITION

Malnutrition is the one condition that frequently compounds all of the other DAMMM diseases and conditions. Malnutrition leaves children more vulnerable to a host of diseases. A malnourished child has weakened immunity and less strength to fight off disease once they have become ill.

Although most Americans recognize distended bellies and thin limbs as signs of malnutrition, other symptoms can include sunken eyes, skin lesions and lightening or loss of hair. Severe malnutrition can even lead to mental retardation, chronic health problems and death.