Diarrheal Disease and Health Services in Latin America

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Abstract
Mortality ascribed to diarrheal disease is the most striking pathological characteristic of the middle and southern sections of the Americas. It has been estimated that diarrhea is the cause of death in almost a quarter of the million young children who die annually in this part of the world. Successful diarrheal disease control programs in Venezuela, Chile, and Mexico have relied heavily on early oral rehydration and effective parental therapy promoted in an organized way through existing health care services. The key to the success of health care programs in reducing the mortality from diarrheal disease in Latin America lies most importantly in measures to reduce dehydration through early casefinding and appropriate oral fluid therapy. Backing this crucial phase of the program are emergency hydration centers and hospital outpatient departments of health units. There is a great need for convalescent resources in day-care centers and institutions for the severely malnourished child who has been saved from death due to dehydration.

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