Prevention of diarrhoea in young children: abundant experience in developing countries

(1) The prevention of diarrhoea in young children has been the subject of many intervention studies in developing countries, and their combined results identify the most effective measures. (2) While it lasts, maternal breast-feeding reduces the overall mortality and mortality linked to diarrhoea. (3) In vitamin A-deficient children, supplementation reduces overall mortality and deaths specifically due to diarrhoea. (4) Maternal education on weaning can improve children's nutritional status and may thereby reduce mortality related to diarrhoea. (5) The promotion of personal and domestic hygiene reduces morbidity due to diarrhoea. (6) Facilitating access to drinking water and sanitation is a very effective way of reducing overall childhood mortality.