Two women sit in a room, one wearing a white coat with a badge, the other holding a baby. They are near a scale. The woman with the baby is speaking, while several people are visible through a window in the background.

SOLUTIONS

We can save more than half a million children’s lives from diarrheal disease each year – and protect them against the long-term harm of repeated infections – with simple, inexpensive solutions that are available today. Vaccines, ORS and zinc, WASH, breastfeeding, and innovative research work best when they work together. We need greater investments in these solutions and in integrated policies to ensure holistic protection against diarrheal disease.

A colorful puzzle piece featuring four sections: a presentation easel with a glass of water, a zinc symbol on a card, an apple with a clock, and a thermometer. Each section is in different colors: purple, blue, red, and orange.

A four-piece puzzle with each piece featuring different icons. The top-left piece shows a presentation board with a glass of water, the top-right has a zinc element symbol, the bottom-left depicts an apple with a tape measure, and the bottom-right displays a thermometer.

INTEGRATED APPROACH

Integrating prevention and treatment solutions is the most practical and cost-effective way to defeat diarrheal disease. Integration can also extend to policies that address pneumonia and diarrhea together.

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Illustration of numerous syringes with yellow plunger handles and black markings, arranged in diagonal rows on a textured blue background. The syringes are depicted consistently in size and orientation, creating a repetitive pattern.

An illustration of multiple syringes with yellow plunger handles, arranged diagonally on a white background. The syringes are evenly spaced and display varying designs, all featuring orange or yellow accents.

VACCINES

In settings where medical care can be difficult to access, prevention through vaccination is the best way to protect children against the leading causes of severe diarrhea. Vaccines against rotavirus are already making a significant impact; vaccines against ETEC and Shigella, the leading causes of bacterial diarrhea, are currently in development.

Rotavirus

ETEC and Shigella

Illustration of a cup with sugar, a glass of water, and a salt shaker on a purple background. Text reads "Sugar + Water + Salt = ORS.

Illustration showing the ingredients for an oral rehydration solution (ORS). From left to right: a cup with sugar, a glass of water, and a salt shaker. Text below reads "SUGAR + WATER + SALT = ORS.

ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION (ORS) & ZINC

Oral rehydration solution is a simple lifesaving mixture of sugar, water, and salt. It is the cornerstone treatment for diarrhea and the severe dehydration it can cause.

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Illustration of a person breastfeeding a baby. The person is wearing a purple top, and the baby is wrapped in a turquoise blanket. The background is blue.

An illustration of a person with long hair, wearing a purple top, breastfeeding a baby. The baby is wrapped in a blue blanket. The background is white.

BREASTFEEDING & NUTRITION

Breastfeeding provides infants with ideal nourishment, protection against diarrhea and pneumonia infections, and quicker recovery from illness.

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Illustration of a pattern featuring bars of soap with bubbles, rolls of toilet paper, and glasses of water on an orange background. The items are arranged in a grid-like formation.

Illustration of a hygiene concept with four rolls of toilet paper, four bars of soap with bubbles, and four glasses of water, arranged in a symmetrical pattern.

WASH

Safe drinking WAter, Sanitation, and Hygiene-collectively known as WASH- are essential for stopping deaths from diarrheal disease and other illnesses. Good health is simply not possible without WASH.

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