Diarrhoea Continues to be Leading Killer Among Children Under 5 and Elderly

Diarrhoea continues to be a leading cause of death among children under five years of age and the elderly, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Despite significant global progress in reducing mortality rates, deaths from diarrheal diseases remain a significant health concern. According to a recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, global deaths due to diarrheal infections dropped by 60% from 1990 to 2021, yet they still account for around 12 lakh deaths worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia continue to face the highest burden, with young children and the elderly being the most vulnerable groups. These findings underscore the urgent need for continued access to clean water, sanitation, and effective healthcare interventions in affected regions.