Accomplishments in child survival research and programs

Vitamin A research has played an important role in reducing morbidity and mortality in children, making vitamin A deficiency prevention part of the health policy of most developing countries; this research can help to reduce the 250,000 deaths and 400,000 cases of partial or complete blindness that occur annually due to vitamin A deficiency. ORT research has shown the effectiveness of oral rehydration solution (ORS), a simple and inexpensive alternative to intravenous rehydration which can be used for most cases of dehydrating diarrhea; ORT saves the lives of one million children annually. ARI research has resulted in development of an effective case-management strategy that can be undertaken by community health workers with adequate training, backed by a referral system; this approach can help to prevent the four million deaths annually due to ARI. Immunization against six vaccine-preventable diseases has risen from 37% to 80% worldwide during the last 10 years, preventing three million deaths and 500,000 cases of paralytic polio; 66 nations have already achieved the 80% coverage target. Diarrheal disease control has utilized an ORT-based case-management approach that has made ORS or home fluids available for three of every four episodes of diarrhea. Nutrition programs, through promotion of breastfeeding and nutrition education, along with correction of micronutrient deficiencies, have reduced the number of malnourished children in many areas, and may contribute to reversing the global decline in breastfeeding. Past achievements in research and program implementation must be consolidated and maintained, while new approaches are developed to combat unsolved problems and new threats. (Author abstract)