Telling an Old Story with New Maps - Geographic Visualization: Concepts, Tools and Applications - page 74

5.2.4 Childhood diarrhoea
However, even the majority of those whose journey into life is assisted are not entering a
safe, clean or especially caring world:
Seven out of 10 childhood deaths in developing countries can be attributed to
just five main causes - or a combination of them: pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles,
malaria and malnutrition. Around the world, three out of four children seen by
health services are suffering from at least one of these conditions. (World Health
Organization, 1996, 1998; quoted by Gordon, 2004)
Figure 5.6 Territory size shows the proportion of worldwide cases of diarrhoea found in children
aged 0-4 living there (Worldmapper Map 233)
Text Box 5.5: Childhood Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is common amongst children. In an average two week period, an estimated
82 million children aged 0-5 years old have diarrhoea. Diarrhoea varies in severity -
some children recover quickly, a small proportion but a large number die. Access to
clean water and rehydration salts can reduce prevalence and minimize the impact.
The highest prevalence of diarrhoea amongst children was recorded in Niger, where
4 in every 10 children had diarrhoea in a typical two-week period. Most children in
Niger will have many episodes a year, causing chronic debility.
I now know that how critical it is to wash hands with soap before eating so as
to prevent germs from entering my body. This will protect me from infections
such as diarrhoea
(Manoj Patel, 2005)