| Summary: | The study examined the role of ARl management practices in improving the competency of community
health volunteers in diagnosing and treating pneumonia among children. Data were collected by a group
of research physicians who observed the performance ofa sample of 120 health volunteers in Bangladesh
where BRAC has been providing community-based ARl control programme in 10 sub-districts since mid
1992. About 1,166 children aged 3-60 months were diagnosed and treated at the households by both the
volunteers and physicians. The sensitivity, specificity and overall agreement rates in diagnosing and
treating pneumonia were significantly higher among volunteers who had basic training and were
regularly supervised. BRAC approach was flexible enough in replacing dropout volunteers by a system
of in-service training. Findings revealed that an extended basic training for new entrants, frequent
supervision and an integrated programme approach would further improve the programme. The study
concludes that the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia by the community health volunteers were
possible at the households in developing countries if intensive basic training and close supervision of the
service providers could be ensured.
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