World Handwashing Day: Repeated diarrhoea causes childhood stunting

Pakistan among four countries in the world where over half of under-five deaths are caused by diarrhoea.


News Desk October 14, 2013
Pakistan is among five countries in the world that account for half of the total deaths among children under-five, according to a United Nations’ report issued last month. PHOTO: FILE



As the world observes the sixth Global Handwashing Day on Tuesday, diaorrhoea remains the largest cause of under-five child mortality. With 600,000 children dying each year and over 1.7 billion cases of diarrhoeal diseases are also associated with a higher risk of stunting (low weight for age and developmental delay), stated a press release.


Pakistan is among five countries in the world that account for half of the total deaths among children under-five, according to a United Nations’ report issued last month.

“Pakistan is ranked 26 for under-five mortality in the world with 86 per 1,000 live births, a neonatal mortality rate of 42, and infant mortality rate of 69,” said the report.

Pakistan is also among the four countries across the world where more than half of under-five deaths are caused by pneumonia or diarrhoea.

In 2012, an estimated 51 million children under-five are underweight for their height, with almost 80% of these children living in South Asia or sub-Saharan Africa, said the report.

Reacting to the alarming situation, the Pakistan government with the help of UNICEF has chalked out a sanitation programme that will reach out to 1.1 million children, women and men in 11 districts.

Teachers and lady health workers will lead the awareness campaign that will focus on washing hands with soap and emphasise on improved sanitation, safe drinking water and hygiene.

“Repeated diarrhoea can cause childhood stunting. These children are more vulnerable to disease and their brains do not develop as they should,” United Nations Secretary General, Ban ki-moon in his recent address at Budapest said. It is plain that investment in sanitation is a down payment for a sustainable future, he added.

UNICEF has urged the people of Pakistan to play their role by taking the message of washing hands with soap to at least one family with children in their surroundings. This can prevent diarrhoea and help create a safer and healthier Pakistan.

Unicef deputy country head Miriam de Figueroa said, “People of Pakistan and around the world are now well aware of the benefits of washing hands with soap “It is an effective intervention to prevent diarrhoea. She added that the return of this investment is the improvement of health of disadvantaged and marginalised children.

Secretary Climate Change Raja Hasan Abbas said, “Poor sanitation, hygiene and limited access to water trigger a downward slide into poverty, which the present government is trying to arrest.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15th, 2013.

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