A rural Indian community study found that training healthcare workers to promote exclusive breastfeeding until age 6 months reduced diarrhea rates by a third. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were also significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group.
A recent study found that zinc supplements can significantly reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea in Bangladeshi children, resulting in lower rates of child morbidity and mortality. The study supports the use of zinc therapy as a simple and effective intervention to improve child health and survival.
A new formula of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) has been developed through USAID-supported research, reducing the need for intravenous fluids by 33%. This improvement is expected to lower hospitalization rates, secondary infections, and healthcare costs, ultimately saving millions of lives.
A new rapid and reliable method for detecting tuberculosis has been developed, using the microscopic observation broth-drug susceptibility assay (MODS). The test is inexpensive and sensitive enough to be used in the field by health officers in developing countries.
A recent study found that breastfeeding protects against infectious diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea, resulting in a significant reduction in infant mortality. The protection diminishes with advancing age, but is greater for infants of women with low educational status. Exclusive breastfeeding may also reduce mother-to-child tra...
A study published in The Lancet found that El Nino increased diarrheal disease admissions by 200% in children from 1993-1998. Diarrhea causes one billion episodes and three million deaths annually in children under five worldwide, and the researchers estimate a significant increase in cases with each degree of temperature rise.
A pooled analysis of 10 randomized trials found that zinc supplementation significantly reduces pneumonia incidence by 41% and diarrhea by up to 25%. The effect of zinc on pneumonia prevention is greater than other current interventions, making it a promising addition to child health programs worldwide.
Nearly 50% of South Asian children are born with low birth weight, contributing to widespread malnutrition and increased risk of infections. The condition is linked to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in adulthood, highlighting the need for interventions to prevent low birth weight.
A standardized treatment protocol for severely malnourished children has been shown to reduce mortality rates by 47%. The new protocol includes slow rehydration, immediate feeding with locally available foods, routine micronutrient supplementation, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.
A randomized controlled trial found that zinc supplementation significantly reduced mortality in low-birth weight Indian children. Zinc also reduced diarrheal prevalence and pneumonia incidence in international studies.
A study conducted in India found that pneumococcal serotypes 1, 6, 19, and others were commonly prevalent, with type-1 found in 25% of cases. The researchers also discovered high rates of antibiotic resistance among S. pneumoniae, particularly in urban areas.