These standards for the quality of paediatric care in health facilities form part of normative guidance for improving the quality of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health care. In view of the importance of the continuum of both the life-course and service delivery (1), these standards build on the Standards for improving the quality of maternal and newborn care in health facilities (2), during labour, childbirth and the early postnatal period. They are derived from WHO Guidelines Review Committee approved recommendations, guidelines and international best practices in care of children and young adolescents.
The goal of this publication is to ensure that the care given to all children, including young adolescents, in health facilities is evidence-based, safe, effective, timely, efficient, equitable and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The standards were developed in the best interests of children, in recognition of the fact that their requirements are different from those of adults and to ensure their right to high-quality health care. The standards are applicable to all facilities that provide health care to children and adolescents.
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