# Exploring Community Roles in Managing Childhood Illnesses in Vhembe District, Limpopo: Perspectives from Nurses and Caregivers

## TL;DR

This study explores how community members and health workers in Limpopo, South Africa, help manage childhood illnesses and improve health outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into community roles in the IMCI program through the perspectives of caregivers and nurses.

## Key findings

- Community health workers play a vital role in health promotion and child assessments within the IMCI framework.
- Mobile health teams and support from community leaders enhance community-based child health services.
- Training and logistical support for CHWs are critical to improving service delivery and child health outcomes.

## Abstract

Despite notable progress in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where many children under five die before accessing formal healthcare services. This study explored the roles of the community in the implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) programme from the perspectives of caregivers and professional nurses. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis design, 18 participants were purposively selected from four primary healthcare facilities. Data was collected through audio-recorded interviews, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the IPA framework. The findings underscore the critical role of community health workers (CHWs) within the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) framework, particularly in health promotion, child assessments and follow-up home visits. Support from early childhood development educators and community leaders further enhances these efforts. Nurses highlighted mobile health teams as vital for delivering integrated services, though challenges such as limited transport and inadequate training hinder CHWs’ effectiveness. Community-based care offers a cost-effective, accessible model in low-resource settings by leveraging local structures. Strengthening the connection between communities and formal health systems is essential. To sustain IMCI, investment in CHW-led initiatives, including training and logistical support, is recommended to improve service delivery and child health outcomes.