To evaluate current practices and standards of evaluation and treatment of childhood febrile illness in Southern Province, Zambia.
Methods:
From November to December 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of facilities and healthworkers and we observed the healthworkers' interactions with febrile children and their caregivers. The facility survey recorded level of staffing, health services provided by the facility, availability and adequacy of medical equipment, availability of basic drugs and supplies and availability of treatment charts and guidelines. The healthworkersurvey assessed respondents' training, length of service, access to national guidelines and job aids for managing illnesses, and their practice and knowledge on management of neonatal and child illnesses. We also conducted exit interviews with caregivers to collect information on demographic characteristics, chief complaints, counselling and drug dispensing practices.
Various health system challenges resulted in a substantial proportion of children receiving insufficient management and treatment of febrile illness. Interventions are needed including strengthening the availability of commodities and improving diagnosis and treatment of febrile illness