Combating diarrhoea in Nigeria: the way forward

Abstract

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) calls for a reduction of child mortality by two third between 1990 and 2015, the reality is that although progress is been made, much more remains to be done. The prevalence rate of diarrhoea in Nigeria is 18.8% and is a menace in sub-Sahara Africa; and in this part of West African it accounts for an estimated 150,000 deaths yearly amongst children under five due to poor hygienic and sanitary practices. Diarrhoea's status as the second leading killer of children under five is an alarming reminder of the vulnerability of children in Nigeria, saving the lives of millions of children at risk of death from diarrhoea is possible with a comprehensive strategy that ensures all children in need receive critical prevention and treatment measures. This report is written with the intent to let our government re-focus her attention on the prevention and management of diarrhoeal diseases as central to improving child survival in the country and justify the need to embrace Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) set by WHO to achieve universal access to clean water and basic sanitation, which is the primary preventive measures to reduce the burden of diarrhea in the country.

Anti-diarrhoeal activity of aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchonii (Hook Fx. Planch) leaves in female Wistar rats

“…Diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal condition caused by bacteria, virus and parasitic organisms (Peter & Umar 2018). It is characterised by increased intestinal motility, secretion and/or a decrease in the reabsorption of fluid and electrolytes (Ezeja et al 2012).…”

“…It is characterised by increased intestinal motility, secretion and/or a decrease in the reabsorption of fluid and electrolytes (Ezeja et al 2012). More than half of diarrhoeal cases are reported in Africa and South Asia with a resultant mortality (Peter & Umar 2018). The incidence of diarrhoeal diseases varies greatly by seasons and age with children within the first 18 months of life being the most vulnerable (Peter & Umar 2018).…”

“…More than half of diarrhoeal cases are reported in Africa and South Asia with a resultant mortality (Peter & Umar 2018). The incidence of diarrhoeal diseases varies greatly by seasons and age with children within the first 18 months of life being the most vulnerable (Peter & Umar 2018). Diarrhoea is usually transmitted via the consumption of contaminated food and water or exposure to unhygienic practices in food preparation and waste disposal (Peter & Umar 2018).…”

“…The incidence of diarrhoeal diseases varies greatly by seasons and age with children within the first 18 months of life being the most vulnerable (Peter & Umar 2018). Diarrhoea is usually transmitted via the consumption of contaminated food and water or exposure to unhygienic practices in food preparation and waste disposal (Peter & Umar 2018). Several orthodox medicines which have been developed for the treatment of diarrhoea are associated with some complications such as constipation, nausea, emesis and fatigue.…”

Resistant Plasmid Profile Analysis of <i>Shigella spp</i> Isolated from Stool Samples of School Children from Selected Communities in Odeda Local Government, Ogun State

“…Despite global success in the reduction of all cause and diarrhoea-specific mortality in the past 30 years, diarrhoea remains the second leading cause of death due to infections among children fewer than five years of age worldwide [2]. It is estimated that diarrhoea accounted for 9•9% of the 6•9 million deaths among children under 5 in 2011 [3,4], and it has been reported that the prevalence rate of diarrhoea in Nigeria is 18.8%; which is a menace in sub-Sahara Africa [5].…”