Diseases just about lurk in all corners of the world and affect all children, no matter the race, age, color, or ethnicity. Whether it be the United States, the United Kingdom, or even Australia, diseases are still at large preying on its all too often innocent bystanders, i.e. the babies of the WHO African region.
We all see the commercials; 59 cents a day will help a child receive its shots, needed food, etc. Those commercials are sad and pull the heartstrings real hard. Most of the children in those commercials suffer from diarrhea and other diseases associated with having diarrhea.
Back in March of 1996, diarrheal diseases were the leading cause of death in children under five years of age. It was estimated that each child was likely to have five episodes of diarrhea per year and that 800,000 die each year from diarrhea and dehydration, resulting in under nutrition and measles.
However, the prevention of diarrhea depends greatly on the improvement of water supplies and sanitation, two very pricey items. Cases of dehydration are resolved using inexpensive oral re-hydration salts or simple homemade fluids.
Shigella Dysentery has been a problem in Africa since 1992. Dysentery is responsible for 15 percent of diarrheal death in children. Cholera also affects the region.
It is almost unbelievable how diseases like malaria can still plaque a country. In 1993, 90 countries were considered malarious, half situating in Africa. It is estimated that world-known cases add up to 300-500 million a year. The majority of malaria deaths occurs in children, and is more likely to affect children in areas with poor health services. About one million deaths can be attributed to children under the age of five.
Case-fatality rates of 10-30 percent have been reported.
Go To Page: 1
