Diarrhea consists of very loose or runny bowel movements, often linked to gastrointestinal infections caused by parasites, bacteria or viruses. According to the website KidsHealth, diarrhea outbreaks in children most often occur from contaminated water, poor hygiene, person-to-person spread of pathogens, or improperly handled food. Childhood diarrhea increases the risk of child mortality. The United Nations has set objectives and goals to reduce child mortality, including environmental controls, education and the elimination of poverty and hunger.
Reduce Pathogenic Factors
Diarrhea is one of the major causes of child fatalities in developing countries. Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as "stomach flu," and the rotavirus are common causes of childhood diarrhea. These viruses are highly infectious. Children can be infected through direct contact with contaminated objects such as toys and public toilet seats. To reduce childhood diarrhea and mortality, the United Nations recommends rotavirus vaccine for infants.
Control Environmental Factors
Environmental factors are a leading cause of childhood diarrhea, so controlling those factors is vital to improving child health, the United Nations says. Bathroom surfaces, such as toilet seats, should be kept clean to prevent the spread of infectious germs. Kitchen counters and eating utensils should be thoroughly washed after they have made contact with raw meat. KidsHealth recommends that children not drink from lakes, springs or streams unless local authorities have stated that the water is safe for drinking. In developing countries, the United Nations recommends bottled water in preference to tap water.
Attain Universal Education
Children should be educated on strategies to reduce diarrhea and childhood mortality, according to the U.N. objectives and goals. Unsanitary school environments cause many children to drop out of school due to severe diarrhea, the international organization says. As a result, children should be encouraged to abstain from biting their nails, sucking their thumbs and eating with their fingers, and should wash their hands after using a restroom and before eating. KidsHealth says that hand-washing is the most efficient way to prevent diarrheal infections that spread from person to person.
Eliminate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
Diarrhea exacerbates malnutrition and hunger. In developing countries, extreme poverty and malnutrition can be a concern. When children do not have nutritious, well-cooked foods to eat, diarrhea can occur. According to UNICEF, a U.N. agency, more than 30 percent of children in developing countries live on less than $1 a day. In some places, UNICEF provides feeding centers with nutritious food options for children who are severely malnourished.
