UNICEF, in collaboration with national governments, is supporting the active implementation of the Accelerated Child Survival and Development programme to reduce infant, under-five and maternal mortality in West and Central Africa. The  programme currently focuses on more than 16 million people in selected districts in 11 countries in West and Central Africa that have high under-five mortality rates.

Mali has adopted a dynamic, participatory, village approach in the selected ACSD districts. Problems and constraints are collectively identified and a needs assessment is carried out. Solutions to address the identified problems are discussed and implemented in the context of health, nutrition, water and sanitation. 

Ghana has undertaken a strategy drawing on the service delivery provided by a variety of community-based volunteer teams. Together, these teams work to strengthen the interface with communities, including social mobilization activities. Some examples of the different teams involved are the community weighing team, which targets children under three years; the community-based surveillance teams; the mother-to-mother support groups; and the water, hygiene and sanitation teams. 

Senegal is implementing activities through a de-centralized, multi-sectoral framework approach. The key components of this approach are the reinforcement of local capacities, de-centralization of activities, and community-based surveillance and follow-up.

Benin's community-based initiatives are focused on anchoring a partnership with a variety of community organizations, in particular women's groups, as they facilitate a key point of entry into a community. As the key caregivers in communities, women play a critical role in the promoting the knowledge, care and treatment of childhood illness.