Diarrhoea

According to the WHO, diarrhoea causes 4% of all deaths and 5% of health loss to disability and most of the 2.2 million people who die from diarrhoea are children. It is primarily a symptom of viral, bacterial or parasitic intestinal infection. It is usually related to environmental conditions such as poor sanitation, lack of clean water and contaminated food. Water contaminated with human faeces is a particularly common route to infection. Severe diarrhoea can lead to fluid loss and dehydration which is especially likely to be life threatening in children and infants, malnourished people and those with compromised immunity.

Interventions include safe disposal of faeces and other waste, regular handwashing with soap and clean water, access to adequate supply of clean, uncontaminated water and hygiene education and promotion.