Diarrhoea treatment using zinc and ORS 
Diarrhoea kills some 800,000 children under 5 each year. Deaths can be prevented by a simple and inexpensive public health solution – oral rehydration salts therapy (ORS) in combination with zinc formulated as dispersible tablets.
QUICK FACTS
Focus Area: Child Nutrition, Child Survival and Health, Maternal Health, Newborn Care
Country: All
Studies show that zinc supplementation results in a 25% reduction in duration of acute diarrhoea and a 40% reduction in treatment failure or death in persistent diarrhoea. These studies also revealed that children receiving zinc simultaneously experience a decrease in the severity of their diarrhoea episodes. A 10-14 day course has proven to provide protection against future bouts of diarrhoea for up to 2-3 months.
Following the implementation of zinc and ORS in combination, use has been monitored and research conducted to reveal user challenges. These include confusion of treatment guidelines for the different age groups, incorrect use of ORS and non-completion of the 10-14 day course of zinc.
Communication and media programmes, such as radio shows, have increased awareness use of both zinc and ORS, but more can be done to fight diarrhoea.
How can UNICEF help caregivers treat their children for diarrhoea? Suggestions include products or systems such as improved, simple instructions, bundling of medicines, and communication messaging on the benefits of zinc and ORS use.
