Zinc supplementation to treat diarrhoea

New Delhi, July 28 (UNI) Zinc supplementation has resulted in reducing the severity and duration of diarrhoeal episodes in children, according to a recent study.

Under a pilot project initiated by the World Vision India, zinc supplement were administered to more than 5400 children in JJ clusters of Delhi and it was found to be very effective, pointed out Dr Marxio Babille of UNICEF at a seminar today.

The finding is siginificant as diarrhoea continues to be a major killer of children under five especially the malnourished.

Though not yet approved by the government for routine use in India, zinc supplements are being used in several other countries in South Asia and Africa including Bangladesh and Nepal.

Zinc supplementation is a new addition to diarrhoea treatment strategy.

This is also now being recommended by WHO and UNICEF for treatment of all diarrhoea episodes among children.

Treatment guidelines published by WHO are being modified to include these new findings and will be available shortly, according to experts participating in the seminar.

UNI AJ KP1955