Changes in Pediatric Diarrhoea and Infant Mortality Rates After a Large Scale WASH Program in Honduras

Publication Year:

2015

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Conference Paper

Summary:

Impact of improved water and sanitation on pediatric diarrhea and infant mortality rates in the Gaza Strip.

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Abstract

Using longitudinal data from records obtained from the Honduras Department of Public Health, paediatric diarrhoea and infant mortality rates were tracked over a six year period during which a large scale WASH intervention occurred in the Department of Colón, Honduras. Rates of paediatric diarrhoea and infant mortality from Colón were compared to national rates as well as a nearby department matched by using the Human Development Index. Both paediatric diarrhoea and infant mortality dropped significantly faster in Colón than in the control department and the national rates, supporting local assertions of the impact of such large scale interventions on childhood health and survival.

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Conference Paper

Publication Year

2015

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Business Connect Takeaways

The water treatment program, which involved the distribution of chlorine solution and education on safe water storage and handling, was associated with a significant reduction in pediatric diarrhea and infant mortality. The reduction in diarrhea was particularly pronounced among children under the age of five

The program was implemented through a partnership between a non-governmental organization and the local government, which helped to ensure that the program was sustainable over the long term. The program also involved extensive community engagement and education, which helped to build trust and ensure that the program met the needs of the community.

The success of the program highlights the importance of investing in water treatment and hygiene interventions as a means of improving public health. While access to improved water sources is important, it is not sufficient on its own to prevent waterborne illness. Water treatment and hygiene interventions are also needed to ensure that water is safe to drink and that the risk of disease transmission is minimized.