Dr. Jude Oko, a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Abuja
chapter, has said no fewer than 190,000 children die of diarrhoea in
Nigeria every year.
Oko, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on
Wednesday, described the situation as regrettable.
He emphasised the need for regular hand washing, which he said was
crucial in preventing the disease.
He said: “The very simple act of hand washing with soap can save
hundreds of thousands of children who needlessly die every year.”
Oko added that regular hand washing with soap had become even more
necessary in view of the ongoing effects of contaminated water from
floods in some parts of the country.
According to him, diarrhoea is a frequent and excessive discharge of
the bowels, producing thin and watery stools, usually a symptom of
gastro-intestinal infection.
Oko, who stressed the need for increased sensitization about the
ailment, said diarrhoea could be treated with Oral Rehydration Salt
and zinc tablet for fast relief and energy restoration.
He said: “There is need to educate people on the use of ORS and zinc
as the best recommended treatment for diarrhoea disease.”
He stressed the need to strengthen the practice of hand washing in
schools and communities across the country in order to reduce the risk
of death of children under the age of five.
According to Oko, in Nigeria, many children are not healthy due to
intake of unclean water, hence the need to move round schools to
educate children on how best to wash their hands after using the
toilet and before eating.
He said: “Diarrhoea and other hygiene-related illnesses can be deadly
for young children.
“Simple strategies such as good hygiene are critical in preventing
these hygiene-related diseases.”
NAN.
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