Preventing childhood diseases in the Central African Republic

In the Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture, located in the north-east of the Central African Republic, the three most common childhood illnesses are malaria, diarrhea and infectious respiratory diseases. Our teams support the management of these diseases by improving access to primary healthcare in communities far from health centers.  

^{Center for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (PCIME), Djamassinda village, Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture, December 2023 © Première Urgence Internationale}

Early diagnosis of childhood illnesses

In remote villages, access to basic health services is often limited or non-existent, due to the remoteness of health centers, the inadequacy of medical infrastructures and the unavailability of medicines. Local populations, particularly children under the age of five, face an increased risk of illness and medical complications due to the lack of rapid and adequate medical care.

To alleviate this situation in the villages of Djamassinda, Zoukoutouniala and Bangbali, Première Urgence Internationale provides medical services directly within the communities, without the inhabitants having to travel to distant health centers. The main objective is to ensure greater access to free healthcare. Trained community health workers, under the supervision of Première Urgence Internationale, are now present in these villages to conduct medical consultations, diagnose the most common childhood illnesses and provide appropriate treatment.

^{Center for Integrated Management of Childhood diseases in the Central African Republic, Djamassinda village, Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture, December 2023 © Première Urgence Internationale}

This approach enables rapid management for early detection of diseases, facilitating referral of cases with complications to care facilities, to reduce the risk of complications and death.

Training community health workers

In addition to medical treatment, Première Urgence Internationale‘s aim is to raise awareness and prevent the spread of the disease. Trained community health workers advise families on the importance of hygiene and vaccination. They play a crucial role in identifying suspected cases and referring those requiring specialized care to the appropriate structures.

Since November 2023, 515 children under the age of 5 have received treatment for one of the three main childhood diseases. By drawing on local resources and strengthening community health workers, the most remote populations will be able to benefit from essential medical care in an autonomous and sustainable way.

This initiative is made possible by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

Find out more about our activities in the CAR.