Some statistics…
- The WHO attributes 3.5 million deaths per year to diarrhea with 80% of those being children under the age of 5
- Children from developing nations suffer from an average of 4 cases per year.
(http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Diab-Em/Diarrhea.html)
- 1.1 billion people lack access to improved water sources
- 2.4 billion people have no basic santitation
(http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/diarrhoea/en/)
- Almost 1 in 5 children dies as a result of dehydration, weakened immunity, or malnutrition associated with diarrhea.
Current events…
- Diarrhea breakouts in Philippines
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20110302044140
- http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110301006162/en/OneWorld-Health-Annou…
- http://triplehelixblog.com/2011/03/unnecessary-and-deadly-the-post-disaster-c…
- http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/03/01/offering-water-aid-in-ethiopia-one-dr…
Advocacy programs
- Both UNICEF and WHO are actively working to fight diarrhea and the causes of it by distributing and bringing education to developing countries on how to stay safe from it. They are also working to improve the water sources, too.
In the Bible
In Deuteronomy, the Lord lays out all the plans for the Israelites on how to set up their camp. It’s chock full of wisdom for very practical, simple, every day life. This includes human waste. In Deuteronomy 23:12-13 the Lord tells them “Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement.”
Spheres…
In my opinion there are two main spheres that are responsible to seeing countries educated and assisted when it comes to proper sanitation, clean water sources, etc. The government and health sphere hold the keys to establishing programs and working to see things turn around with this easy to combat disease.
