Vertical programming

The remarkable successes of the child survival revolution in the 1980s were achieved by vertical programmes. These focused on combating single diseases (such as diarrhoea, and acute respiratory infections) or addressing single issues (Expanded Programme on Immunisations).

The vertical programme strategy was initially built around four simple low-cost techniques known as 'GOBI': growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding, and immunisation against six childhood killers (tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio and measles). Three Fs were added later: Family planning, Food supplements, and Female education. Further interventions included antibiotic treatment for pneumonia based on respiratory rate screening, vitamin A supplementation, insecticide treated materials to prevent malaria, and antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.