IMPACT OF ORAL REHYDRATION AND SELECTED PUBLIC-HEALTH INTERVENTIONS ON REDUCTION OF MORTALITY FROM CHILDHOOD DIARRHEAL DISEASES IN MEXICO

Reported are the results of an analysis of mortality trends from diarr hoeal diseases among under-5-year-olds in Mexico between 1978 and 1993 in relation to the impact of education, basic sanitation, and selecte d medical care practices. The study period was divided into three stag es; the first pre-dated the widespread application of oral rehydration therapy (ORT); the second, covered the implementation of a nationwide programme promoting ORT; and the third included additional measures, such as immunization and improvements in basic sanitation. Mortality r ates decreased progressively, at an average of 1.8% per year in the fi rst stage, 6.4% in the second, and 17.8% in the third The importance o f literacy campaigns for women and the promotion of ORT was confirmed. Both of these measures reduced mortality; however, a greater reductio n resulted from a massive immunization campaign against measles and im provements in sanitation (expansion of the drainage and piped water sy stems, improved water chlorination procedure, and effective prohibitio n of the use of sanitary sewage for vegetable irrigation).