Child Health Programme
Healthy children today, healthy future for Seychelles.
The programme supports children from birth to age five through health promotion, prevention, growth monitoring, immunisation, developmental assessment and early referral.
What is the programme?
The Child Health Programme provides health promotion and prevention interventions for children from birth to age five years as an integral part of primary health care services.
Services start in the Maternity Unit and continue at community level in homes, district health facilities, and schools.
Why implement it?
The programme helps children make the best start in life and achieve their full developmental potential.
Aims of the programme
- Provide safe, accessible, and high-quality care to all young children in Seychelles to reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Protect and improve the health and well-being of infants, children, and their families.
- Contribute towards achieving SDG 3.2, 3.8, 3.d, 2.2 and NHSP targets.
Specific objectives
- Achieve full immunisation coverage according to the National Immunisation Schedule for children aged 0–5 years.
- Monitor growth regularly according to the National Schedule.
- Conduct developmental assessments.
- Screen for physical abnormalities or other medical problems and refer for early intervention.
- Promote healthy infant and young child feeding.
- Ensure children with special health care needs receive appropriate care.
Eligibility
- Mothers following discharge from hospital.
- All children aged 0–5 years.
Key interventions
The programme provides structured child health services from postnatal care through growth monitoring, immunisation, developmental screening and early referral.
Postnatal Home Visit
Routine examination of mother and newborn, counselling on nutrition, family planning, breastfeeding, hygiene, and home environment assessment.
Postnatal Assessment
Routine examination at district primary health centre, referral for mother, and Denver Development Screening Test at six weeks for baby.
Immunisation
Immunisation according to the National Immunisation Schedule.
Growth Monitoring
Starts at age 3 months and continues monthly until age one year.
Safe Infant Feeding
Promotion of safe infant feeding throughout the programme.
Denver Screening Test
Denver assessments at 6 months, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years.
Medical Examination
Complete School Health Profile at age 5 years.
Early Referral
Children with medical, developmental, or special health care needs are referred for appropriate care.
Referral routes
Routine enrolment through referral from hospitals after delivery. Children born outside Seychelles should report to the nearest PHC facility.
Service providers
Qualified and licensed nurses and midwives, with referrals to doctors when required.
Where delivered
All Primary Health Care facilities in Seychelles.
Age group
Children from birth to five years old.