High Impact Prevention and Management of Diarrheal Diseases in Two Northern Nigeria States

Introduction

Diarrhea is a major preventable cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries and is one of the greatest challenges of the 21^st century despite unprecedented global economic development and technological progress. The Nigeria National Demographic Health Survey 2008 showed that 42.0% of children under five years of age with diarrhea sought treatment from a health provider.

Methodology

This intervention was conducted in all the forty six LGAs with a population of 5,583,911 (Bauchi) and 4,505,540 (Sokoto), targeting children under the age of 5 years. Five hundred service providers from 342 health facilities were trained in ORT/Nutrition and provided with seed stock of Zincfant and low osmolarity salt sugar sachets for use in the 342 Corners. In addition, TSHIP provided BCC/IEC materials and supported radio jingles for about six months.

Results and Findings

A total of 66, 493 children were treated in the ORT/ Nutrition Corners using Zincfant ORS sachet and counseling on hand washing and exclusive breast feeding provided in the second year of the project.  Majority of the clients that accessed the services (44,550 or 67%) were given education and practical sessions on key household practices; whilst 12,311 (19%) required referral to secondary health facilities for specialized care.  Nine thousand six hundred and thirty one (9631) children were given both the ORS Sachet and Zincfant in the 342 health facilities.

It was observed that the ORT/Nutrition Corners were very effective, simple and safe and reduced the number of admissions in the health facilities. Family knowledge about diarrhea should be reinforced and sustained.

Conclusion

The reactivation of the ORT/Nutrition Corners has increased utilization of services by clients in the two states. Facility improvements and community awareness creation (radio jingles, home visits by community-based workers) should be sustained over much longer periods in order to meet MDG targets.