Zinc for diarrhoea management in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review.
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence supporting the inclusion of zinc for diarrhoea management specifically in sub-Saharan Africa where diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.


METHODS
We searched PubMed for studies assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of zinc for the treatment and prevention of common childhood morbidities.


METHODS
We included only studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa.


RESULTS
Details of studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa are presented in the context of the global evidence supporting the use of zinc for diarrhoea management.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant body of evidence to support the use of zinc for diarrhoea management in sub-Saharan Africa. The accelerated introduction of zinc into routine community-based diarrhoea treatment is critical for the reduction of diarrhoea morbidity and mortality.
Fischer Walker
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Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St., Room 5543, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Aboubaker
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Van de Weerdt
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Black
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D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D000367:Age Factors; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015032:Zinc / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014131:Trace Elements; D015032:Zinc