Physicians warn that deaths from diarrhoea, particularly among children, are rising and emphasize that it is crucial for everyone, especially children, to not fall victim to this preventable tragedy. Despite being highly preventable and treatable, diarrhoea remains the third highest cause of death in children under five, claiming over 443,832 lives each year.

In the ongoing effort to protect the health of our children, doctors highlight the essential role of maintaining good hygiene practices as a key defense against this widespread threat. Diarrhoea, characterized by frequent watery stools, dehydration, and sometimes vomiting, is commonly caused by contaminated food or water, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene measures.

According to the World Health Organisation, diarrhoea is defined as having three or more loose stools per day, or more frequently than usual. The WHO states that diarrhoea is both preventable and treatable, yet it remains a major cause of death in children aged one to 59 months.

The global health organization reports that annually, diarrhoea claims the lives of approximately 443,832 children under five and an additional 50,851 children aged five to nine. They emphasize that a significant portion of these cases can be prevented through access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation and hygiene practices.

On a global scale, almost 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoeal disease occur each year, with diarrhoea being a primary cause of malnutrition in children under five.

“Other causes such as septic bacterial infections are likely to account for an increasing proportion of all diarrhoea-associated deaths.

“Children who are malnourished or have impaired immunity, as well as people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, are most at risk of life-threatening diarrhoea.

“Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of an infection in the intestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms. Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking water, or from person to person as a result of poor hygiene.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that preventative measures such as access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hand washing with soap can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea.

The agency recommends treating diarrhea with oral rehydration therapy and a 10-14 day course of zinc supplements, which can shorten the duration and improve outcomes.

However, the WHO notes that a significant portion of the global population lacks access to improved drinking water (780 million) and sanitation (2.5 billion), particularly in low-income countries where children under three experience an average of three diarrhea episodes per year, leading to malnutrition and stunted growth.

“As a result, diarrhoea is a major cause of malnutrition, and malnourished children are more likely to fall ill from diarrhoea,” the WHO added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends preventative measures like safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hand washing with soap to reduce diarrhea risk.

For treatment, the WHO advises oral rehydration therapy and a 10-14 day course of zinc supplements, which can shorten duration and improve outcomes.

However, the agency notes that many lack access to improved water (780 million) and sanitation (2.5 billion), leading to widespread diarrhea in developing countries, particularly among children under three, who experience an average of three episodes per year, hindering their growth due to malnutrition.

She mentioned, “Achieving widespread adherence to these practices remains a formidable challenge, especially in resource-constrained settings where access to basic amenities and education on hygiene practices is limited.

“Central to the fight against diarrhoea-related child mortality is the imperative to promote hygiene education and behaviour change at both individual and community levels.

“Empowering caregivers with knowledge about the importance of hand hygiene, safe water, and sanitation practices equips them with the tools to protect their children from diarrhoeal diseases.

“Moreover, fostering a culture of hygiene within communities fosters collective responsibility and resilience against the threat of diarrhoea outbreaks. The role of innovative interventions and technologies in bolstering hygiene practices and curbing diarrhoeal diseases can’t be overlooked.

“From water purification systems and improved sanitation facilities to behaviour-change communication strategies leveraging digital platforms, there exists a wealth of tools and approaches to enhance hygiene standards and mitigate the risk of diarrhoea transmission.”

She emphasized that the effective implementation of such measures relies on consistent financial support, collaboration across different sectors, and active involvement from the community.

Cynthia Okafor, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Epe General Hospital in Lagos State, highlighted the importance of utilizing a comprehensive approach to address the underlying causes of poor hygiene and diarrhoeal diseases, in addition to individual behavior change.

Encouraging parents to seek immediate medical assistance for suspected cases of diarrhoea, she stressed the essential role of strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to necessary services, and investing in sanitation infrastructure to effectively reduce the impact of diarrhoea on children’s health.

She advocated for policies that prioritize initiatives related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, emphasizing the importance of allocating resources towards their implementation to advance progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals target of reducing preventable child deaths.

In the effort to combat diarrhoea-related child mortality, Okafor underscored the significance of prioritizing fairness and inclusivity.

She noted, “Vulnerable populations, including those living in remote areas, informal settlements, and conflict zones, are disproportionately burdened by diarrhoeal diseases due to systemic inequalities and barriers to accessing essential services.

“Consequently, efforts to promote good hygiene must be guided by principles of equity, ensuring that marginalised communities have equitable access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education.

“By redoubling our efforts to promote good hygiene practices, expand access to clean water and sanitation, and address the root causes of poor health outcomes, we can forge a path towards a future where no child succumbs to the preventable tragedy of diarrhoeal diseases.”