Diarrhoea: Why children are still dying and what can be done

Johansson, E.M. … [et al.] (2009). Diarrhoea : why children are still dying and what can be done. New York, NY, USA, UNICEF and Geneva, Switzerland, World Health Organization. v, 58 p. ISBN 978-92-806-4462-3 (UNICEF). ISBN 978-92-4-159841-5 (WHO). Full report

This report examines the latest available information on the burden and distribution of childhood diarrhoea. It also analyses how well countries are doing in making available key interventions proven to reduce its toll. It sets out a 7-point strategy for comprehensive diarrhoea control that includes a treatment package to reduce child deaths, and a prevention package to reduce the number of diarrhoea cases.

The two treatment elements are:

1. fluid replacement to prevent dehydration; and
2. zinc treatments, which decrease the severity and duration of the attack.

The five prevention elements are:

1. immunization against rotavirus and measles;
2. early and exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation;
3. handwashing with soap;
4. improved water supply quantity and quality; and
5. promoting community-wide sanitation.

UNICEF TV Video: Diarrhoea is the second leading killer of children