What is it about?

This study analyzes the global burden of diarrheal diseases from 1990 to 2021 in 204 countries. It examines causes, risk factors, and trends in children and adults using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 Study. The study found that diarrheal diseases caused 1.17 million deaths worldwide in 2021, with the highest impact on children under five years old. However, deaths from diarrhea have decreased by 60.3% since 1990, showing the success of oral rehydration therapy (ORT), improved water sanitation, and rotavirus vaccination. The leading causes of diarrheal deaths include rotavirus, norovirus, and Cryptosporidium spp. Key risk factors include poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and child malnutrition. The study emphasizes the need for continued investment in vaccines, sanitation programs, and nutrition initiatives to further reduce the disease burden.

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Why is it important?

Diarrheal diseases remain a major public health problem, particularly in low-income countries, where they are a leading cause of death in young children. Despite significant progress, millions still suffer due to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and malnutrition. Understanding which pathogens and risk factors contribute most to the disease can help policymakers, health workers, and global organizations develop better prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately saving more lives.

Perspectives

This research highlights the urgent need to continue global efforts in fighting diarrheal diseases. While progress has been made, millions of lives, especially those of young children, remain at risk due to preventable causes. Investing in clean water, sanitation, vaccinations, and nutrition programs is crucial. The findings provide strong evidence that public health interventions work and should be expanded to ensure fewer deaths and better health outcomes worldwide.

Mr Ferry Efendi
Universitas Airlangga

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Global, regional, and national age-sex-specific burden of diarrhoeal diseases, their risk factors, and aetiologies, 1990–2021, for 204 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, December 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00691-1.
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