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INTEGRATED APPROACH

Several tools can prevent and treat diarrhea, and programs that integrate these solutions can maximize impact, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Established interventions like oral rehydration solution and zinc, exclusive breastfeeding, and WASH (safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene) have saved countless lives. Vaccines offer even more protection. National policies that encompass all options optimize protection for communities.

Many interventions to defeat diarrhea overlap with strategies to prevent pneumonia, another leading threat to child survival. Cross-cutting solutions include exclusive breastfeeding, handwashing with soap, safe water, sanitation, nutrition, and immunization. Programs that integrate these proven solutions can ensure a healthy start for every child. By improving access to cost effective interventions for pneumonia and diarrhea, we can save millions of lives.

Text over a white background reads "MYTH" with a strike-through line and "Diarrheal disease is too big a problem to solve." Below is an illustration of a globe with orange circles around it. At the bottom, text reads "#DEFEATDD - Significant. Solvable.

Text reading "FACT: There are simple, proven solutions to prevent and treat diarrhea" with an illustration of hands washing. Hashtags #DEFEATDD and “Significant. Solvable.” appear below.

A cartoon shows a toilet wearing a superhero cape and a syringe in a mask high-fiving. Text reads "Tag Team Against Outbreaks," "Toilets and vaccines prevent diarrhea!" and hashtags #WorldToiletDay and #DefeatDD. Logos for PATH and Poo and Pee are included.

Toilets and vaccines prevent diarrhea outbreaks

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STATE OF THE FIELD REPORT

Combining prevention and treatment solutions is the most effective way to defeat diarrhea and break the cycle of poor health and poverty for children, families, and communities. Integration can also address other health threats, decrease program expenses, and increase efficiency.

Read the Report