By Mercy Sawok
Public health experts have called for improved hygiene practices, access to safe drinking water, and better nutrition to curb the prevalence of diarrhoea, particularly among vulnerable populations across affected communities.
They made this known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, stressing the need for urgent coordinated efforts to address preventable causes and reduce child mortality rates.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death among children under five, responsible for 370,000 deaths globally in 2019, with three clinical types identified.
It identifies acute watery diarrhoea, acute bloody diarrhoea or dysentery, and persistent diarrhoea as the three categories, each requiring appropriate management, prevention, and timely medical attention to reduce complications and fatalities.
Mr Daniel Tari, a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) with the Apo Primary Healthcare, Abuja, described diarrhoea as one of the leading causes of illness and death among young children, especially in developing countries.
He said dehydration was the severe threat, as the body loses water and essential electrolytes through stools, vomiting, sweating, and urination, adding that diarrhoea worsened malnutrition and vulnerability to other illnesses.
“Simple habits such as hand washing with soap, proper disposal of waste, and ensuring clean drinking water can significantly reduce the risk,” Daniel said.
He urged communities to adopt consistent hygiene practices.
Miss Rejoice Ladan, a nutritionist at the National Hospital, Abuja, emphasised that proper feeding strengthened children’s immunity.
She advised exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the introduction of balanced complementary foods thereafter to help prevent infections, including diarrhoea.
“Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect children from infections, including diarrhoea,” she said.
She emphasised the need for caregiver awareness and strict adherence to recommended infant and young child feeding practices across the country.
Mrs Naomi Iliya, the focal person for routine immunisation at the Primary Health Care Centre in Mabushi District, emphasised the need to sensitise the public, particularly in rural communities, to the benefits of vaccination.
She urged parents and caregivers to pay attention to their children to know when they showed symptoms such as frequent loose stools, dehydration, or vomiting, warning that delays in treatment could lead to severe complications or death.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
