Child health clinics in Enga Province

A study was made of child health clinics run from three centres in Enga Province. Clinic management, statistical reporting, immunisation adequacy, and attitudes of attending mothers were examined. The accuracy of statistical reporting and the immunisation coverage achieved were found to be poor and many clinics were poorly organised. Education and advice to individual mothers and to groups were often lacking. Despite these deficiencies, the clinics were evidently important social events where a significant amount of health education takes place. Mothers themselves thought the clinics worthwhile and beneficial. There is an obvious need for more and better health education at clinics and it is also recommended that the statistical reporting from the clinics be simplified to improve its accuracy.