CHILDHOOD DIARRHEA AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY-INFECTIONS IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

In 1990 childhood diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections together accounted for 7.5 million deaths of children younger than five years o f age in developing countries. To decrease mortality and treatment cos ts associated with these illnesses, the World Health Organization has developed standard diagnostic and treatment procedures for health staf f, and is working on strategies for disease prevention. Immunisation a gainst measles, adequate nutrition, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months, and improved water supplies and sani tation are the most important preventive measures. The 1990 World Summ it for Children has set goals of a 50% reduction in childhood mortalit y from diarrhoea and a 33% reduction in mortality from acute respirato ry diseases by the year 2000. These goals can be achieved by political commitment and a major investment of resources, but sustained support for these efforts from the medical professions is crucial.