Introduction: Millions of children under the age of five die each year from preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, measles, and malnutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) introduced the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy in 1992 as a comprehensive approach to address these preventable deaths.

Purpose: This review examines the concept of IMCI, its impact on reducing under-five mortality, challenges associated with implementation, and the role of health workers in enhancing adherence to IMCI guidelines.

Takeaway: Evidence suggests that IMCI significantly improves child survival through early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, health promotion, and community engagement. However, persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited training, insufficient drug supply, and weak health systems, hinder its full implementation.

Conclusion: IMCI remains a cost-effective and evidence-based intervention for reducing childhood mortality. Strengthening health systems, continuous training, and enhanced community involvement are essential to achieving optimal results.

Recommendation: Nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals should optimize the application of IMCI guidelines at the primary healthcare level. There should be scaling up of IMCI training opportunities for healthcare workers, provision of adequate human resources, and IMCI equipment at PHC facilities.