Mobile under-fives clinic in Ekpoma, Nigeria.

Since 1977, mobile under-fives clinics have been held in Ekpoma, a rural community in Bendel State, Nigeria. Analysis of the data obtained in the six-month period, October 1979 to March 1980, indicate that the bulk of diseases seen could be prevented through health education, immunization, malarial chemoprophylaxis, and regular monitoring of weight. Mobile clinics could fill this need in rural areas where fixed clinic facilities are absent or inadequate. Employment and training of auxiliary health workers to carry out routine consultations and treatment will enhance the role of the doctor in the team as teacher, consultant, and organizer. It is hoped that other suggestions and recommendations made in this paper indicate practical steps that will improve the work of the mobile clinics.