Zinc Treatment to Under-five Children: Applications to Improve Child Survival and Reduce Burden of Disease

Authors

  • Charles P Larson ICDDR,B, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
  • SK Roy ICDDR,B, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
  • Azharul Islam Khan ICDDR,B, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
  • Ahmed Shafiqur Rahman ICDDR,B, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
  • Firdausi Qadri ICDDR,B, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jhpn.v26i3.1901

Keywords:

Child survival, Diarrhoea, Acute, Infantile, Interventions, Morbidity, Zinc, Zinc deficiency, Zinc therapy, Bangladesh

Abstract

Zinc is an essential micronutrient associated with over 300 biological functions. Marginal zinc deficiency states are common among children living in poverty and exposed to diets either low in zinc or high in phytates that compromise zinc uptake. These children are at increased risk of morbidity due to infectious diseases, including diarrhoea and respiratory infection. Children aged less than five years (under-five children) and those exposed to zinc-deficient diets will benefit from either daily supplementation of zinc or a 10 to 14-day course of zinc treatment for an episode of acute diarrhoea. This includes less severe illness and a reduced likelihood of repeat episodes of diarrhoea. Given these findings, the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund now recommend that all children with an acute diarrhoeal illness be treated with zinc, regardless of aetiology. ICDDR.B scientists have led the way in identifying the benefits of zinc. Now, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh and the private sector, the first national scaling up of zinc treatment has been carried out. Important challenges remain in terms of reaching the poorest families and those living in remote areas of Bangladesh.

Key words: Child survival; Diarrhoea, Acute; Diarrhoea, Infantile; Interventions; Morbidity; Zinc; Zinc deficiency; Zinc therapy; Bangladesh

doi:10.3329/jhpn.v26i3.1901

J Health Popul Nutr 2008 Sept:26(3): 356-365

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Author Biography

Charles P Larson, ICDDR,B, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

Dr. Charles Larson
Director, Centre for International Child Health
BC Children's Hospital and Child & Family Health Research Institute
Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics
University of British Columbia
Canada
Email: clarson@cw.bc.ca

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How to Cite

Larson, C. P., Roy, S., Khan, A. I., Rahman, A. S., & Qadri, F. (2009). Zinc Treatment to Under-five Children: Applications to Improve Child Survival and Reduce Burden of Disease. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 26(3), 356–365. https://doi.org/10.3329/jhpn.v26i3.1901

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Original Papers