Public health specialists have called for stronger hygiene practices, improved access to clean water, and better nutrition to reduce the spread of diarrhoeal diseases, particularly among vulnerable groups in affected communities.
The experts spoke in separate interviews in Abuja, highlighting the need for coordinated interventions to tackle preventable causes of the illness and lower child mortality rates.
According to the World Health Organization, diarrhoeal disease remains the second leading cause of death among children under five, accounting for an estimated 370,000 deaths worldwide in 2019.
The agency classifies the illness into three main types: acute watery diarrhoea, dysentery, and persistent diarrhoea, each requiring proper treatment and timely care.
A Community Health Extension Worker at a primary healthcare facility in Abuja described diarrhoea as a major contributor to sickness and death among young children, particularly in developing nations.
He noted that dehydration poses the greatest risk, as the body loses vital fluids and electrolytes, while the condition can also worsen malnutrition and increase susceptibility to other diseases.
Health professionals emphasised that basic measures such as regular handwashing with soap, safe waste disposal, and access to clean drinking water can significantly reduce infection rates.
A nutrition expert also stressed the importance of proper feeding practices in strengthening children’s immunity.
She recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the introduction of balanced complementary diets to help protect against infections.
In addition, immunisation advocates called for increased public awareness, especially in rural areas, on the benefits of vaccination.
Caregivers were advised to watch for warning signs such as frequent loose stools, vomiting, and dehydration, noting that delayed treatment could result in severe complications or death.
The experts collectively urged sustained public health education and community engagement to address the burden of diarrhoeal diseases and improve child survival outcomes.
NAN/Hauwa M.
