This week, the DefeatDD team celebrated a global health success story – more children than ever are reaching their fifth birthday! Alongside global partners like Save the Children, World Vision, PATH, UNICEF, Global Health Council, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and more, our team participated in a ‘Five and Thrive’ block party event on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

This fun-filled event included themed activities to share information about child health. Bringing together advocates, decision makers, funders, and other stakeholders, the party was a great way to acknowledge impressive strides in improved maternal, newborn, and child health while also encouraging continued efforts and initiatives that enable children to live long, healthy lives.

Naturally, our team hosted a game centered around diarrheal disease. “Ping pong, so long, DD” gave players an opportunity to “create” co-packaged oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc by tossing zinc supplements (ping pong balls) into ORS cups. The result: a lesson on the ‘gold standard’ recommended treatment for diarrhea.

As participants “dunked out” diarrheal disease, they also learned about the effectiveness of the ORS and zinc co-pack. Inclusion of co-packaged zinc and ORS in national Essential Medicines Lists can strengthen uptake, access, and awareness of this simple but valuable treatment, saving even more lives. Thank you to all who participated in our fun – and educational – Five and Thrive block party event, and keep the conversation going by sharing our resources.