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Childhood diarrhoea: failing conventional measures, what next?

Faraj Alkizim1, Duncan Matheka, Anne Muriithi

  • 1Department of Medical Physiology, University of Nairobi.

The Pan African Medical Journal
|November 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Infant diarrhea remains a major global health challenge, contributing significantly to child mortality and hindering progress toward Millennium Development Goal 4. Improved prevention and treatment strategies are crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Global Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Diarrhoea is a primary cause of infant mortality globally.
  • It significantly impacts the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG-4), which aims to reduce child mortality.
  • The article examines the role of diarrhoea in infant mortality and its implications for MDG-4.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the contribution of infant diarrhoea to child mortality rates.
  • To review current strategies for diarrhoea prevention and management.
  • To assess progress towards Millennium Development Goal 4 in light of diarrhoeal disease burden.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed.
  • Keywords included "acute infant diarrhea," "prevalence," "management," and "prevention."
  • 23 relevant articles were selected from 634 retrieved studies for detailed review.

Main Results:

  • Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of infant mortality worldwide, with 1.5 million deaths annually.
  • Consequences include dehydration, malnutrition, shock, and long-term diminished cognitive function and school performance.
  • Oral Rehydration Therapy is the primary treatment, though compliance varies. Zinc supplementation, immunization, and hygiene are also key interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Minimal progress has been made towards MDG-4's goal of reducing childhood mortality by two-thirds by 2015.
  • Existing diarrhoea control strategies require review and enhancement.
  • Research focus should broaden beyond high-profile diseases to address the substantial daily burden of diarrhoeal diseases in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Diarrhoea researchGastroenteritisInfant mortalityMDGNonconventional treatmentfaecal biotherapy

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