In developing countries, diarrhea is a major killer — mostly of children — taking millions of lives every year. Rotavirus is the single greatest cause of diarrhea-related deaths, causing an estimated 611,000 deaths annually in infants and young children worldwide. FHI 360 plays a leadership role in addressing this global health challenge with a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy.
In 2007, FHI 360 released a consensus statement on managing and preventing rotavirus in Asia, calling for universal vaccination programs. The statement emerged from the Asia-Pacific Rotavirus MetaForum, a meeting of experts and health policymakers from 16 countries. FHI 360 hosted the meeting and published the proceedings.
Rotavirus vaccines have the potential to save more than 2.5 million lives by 2025. FHI 360 has implemented studies of the safety and efficacy of vaccines to prevent rotavirus in Africa and Asia.
Our work with the Diarrhea Alleviation through Zinc and ORS Therapy (DAZT) project is another example of our comprehensive approach. DAZT is a three-year initiative being implemented by FHI 360 and partners in India. It promotes use of a combination of zinc and oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which have been endorsed as the leading preventive and treatment tools for childhood diarrhea. The project’s primary goal is to reduce the burden of diarrhea on child health and increase child survival. Project strategies include:
- Improving local policies to enhance sustainability for diarrhea management
- Enhancing supplies of zinc and ORS where they are needed most
- Increasing awareness and local demand for these proven interventions
