Communication strategies for the control of diarrhoeal diseases (CDD) in Africa
Grade Imoh · 2013
It is estimated that 50 percent of all deaths among children under 5 years in Africa result directly or indirectly from diarrhoeal diseases. The mortality associated with childhood diarrhoea is often as a result of poor case management by mothers, childcare takers and health workers. It is therefore essential to teach mothers, child care givers and health workers that when a child has diarrhoea, it is essential to keep feeding and give plenty of fluids (breast milk, soups, water), including oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and the use of oral rehydration salts (sachets) to remedy the dehydration in the child. The knowledge needed to save our children from dying from diarrhoea dehydration already exists. The essential part of that knowledge is not highly technical. Making that health knowledge available to all parents, health workers and communities is the core of the control of diarrhoeal disease programme in Africa. New alliances must be forged to provide the necessary input for action at the family, health facility, community and policy levels. It requires a public private sector initiative. The mass media especially radio and television have been used successfully in several countries to bring regular messages on oral rehydration therapy , breastfeeding and advocate for policy support for CDD programmes. The possibility for reducing infant mortality resulting from diarrhoea resides on a well informed parent, because diarrhoea can be prevented through breast feeding, use of latrines, access to portable water and personal hygiene.