The challenge of pneumonia & acute diarrhoea at global, regional & national levels: Time to refocus on a top most priority health problem
2011
The Challenge of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea
Editorial
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Deb Alok Kumar, Kanungo Suman, Nair G. Balakrish, Narain Jai P.
Primary Institution: National Institute of Cholera & Enteric Diseases (ICMR), Kolkata, India
Conclusion
Effective interventions are needed to reduce the burden of pneumonia and diarrhoea in developing countries.
Supporting Evidence
- 68% of child deaths under five are due to infectious diseases, with pneumonia and diarrhoea being major contributors.
- India, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, and China account for nearly 50% of these deaths.
- Effective interventions can significantly reduce the burden of pneumonia and diarrhoea even in resource-poor settings.
Takeaway
Pneumonia and diarrhoea are big problems that make many children sick and die, especially in poorer countries, and we need to do more to help them.
Potential Biases
Focus on other diseases has overshadowed the need for attention to pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Limitations
Health programs have failed to control pneumonia and diarrhoea despite available interventions.
Participant Demographics
Children under five years old are particularly affected.
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