Diarrhea : common illness, global killer

Diarrheal diseases account for 1 in 9 child deaths worldwide, making diarrhea the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 5. For children with HIV, diarrhea is even more deadly; the death rate for these children is 11 times higher than the rate for children without HIV. Despite these sobering statistics, strides made over the last 20 years have shown that, in addition to rotavirus vaccination and breastfeeding, diarrhea prevention focused on safe water and improved hygiene and sanitation is not only possible, but cost effective: every $1 invested yields an average return of $25.50. Learn how simple and inexpensive interventions to prevent and treat diarrhea can save the lives of children around the world.Stopping diarrhea -- Pathways to diarrheal illness -- What can be done -- Preventing diarrhea, saving lives.201