Health systems in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) are experiencing an increasing burden of chronic conditions in children, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and diabetes. Chronic infectious diseases, such as HIV, require long-term, often lifelong management. Other chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and rheumatic heart disease have posed long-standing challenges to LMICs, but have not received adequate targeted attention in health systems. These systems are currently designed to be reactive rather than proactive, addressing “episodic care” needs rather than “chronic care” needs for children.

This discussion series is an opportunity to present and get feedback on UNICEF’s early, working vision/framework for programming in child health of how specific NCDs could be integrated into primary health care and the referral system. Together, we hope to draw lessons from these case studies and reflect on broader programming and implications on implementation.