BBC News reports that an international initiative has been launched to reduce the number of children who die from diarrhoea around the world. According to the article, the World Health Organization and UNICEF have said that urgent action is needed to address the problem which an estimated 1.5m children a year.
The primary article in The Lancet states that a seven-point plan has been developed to address the problem by promoting:
- Fluid treatment to prevent dehydration;
- Zinc treatment;
- Rotavirus and measles vaccinations;
- Promotion of breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation;
- Promotion of handwashing with soap;
- Improved water supply; and a
- Community-wide sanitation programme.
It has been estimated that 88% of diarrhoeal diseases worldwide are attributable to unsafe sources of drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
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