Description: This WHO/UNICEF report focuses attention on the prevention and management of diarrhoeal diseases as central to improving child survival. It examines the latest available information on the burden and distribution of childhood diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children under five globally. Nearly one in five child deaths – about 1.5 million each year – is due to diarrhoea. It kills more young children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined . Today, only 39 per cent of children with diarrhoea in developing countries receive the recommended treatment, and limited trend data suggest that there has been little progress since 2000. The objective of this WHO/UNICEF report is to focus attention on the prevention and
UNICEF/WHO Report 14 October, 2009 - view/download pdf
"It is a tragedy that diarrhoea, which is little more than an inconvenience in the developed world, kills an estimated 1.5 million children each year", said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman. "We know where children are dying of diarrhoea", said WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan. "We know what must be done to prevent those deaths. We must work with governments and partners to put this seven-point plan into action."
Diarrhoea, Diarrhea, Dehydration, Oral Rehydration, Mother and Child Nutrition, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene - Rehydration Project