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Reducing deaths from diarrhoea through oral rehydration therapy
C G Victora1, J Bryce, O Fontaine
1Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS Brazil.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|December 2, 2000
Summary
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) significantly reduced child mortality from diarrhea, saving millions of lives. This case management strategy offers valuable lessons for child survival programs and public health policy.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Pediatrics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Diarrhea was the leading cause of child mortality in 1980, causing 4.6 million deaths annually.
- Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) was introduced in 1979 as a cornerstone intervention for diarrheal disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the strategy for controlling diarrhea through case management, focusing on ORT.
- To examine the relationship between ORT implementation and reduced child mortality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of population-based data on ORT coverage and quality.
- Review of time trends in diarrhea management and mortality rates.
- Case studies from Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Main Results:
- ORT use increased globally, reaching the majority of children with diarrhea.
- Annual deaths from diarrhea in children under 5 decreased from 4.6 million in 1980 to approximately 1.5 million.
- Case studies confirmed a correlation between increased ORT use and significant reductions in child mortality.
Conclusions:
- ORT is a cost-effective intervention that can be successfully delivered by national programs with political will and financial support.
- Experience with ORT provides valuable guidance for child survival initiatives.
- Standardized indicators and measurement methods are needed for evaluating health service delivery and impact for major childhood conditions.