Basic hygiene can beat diarrhoea : a lesson from the slums of Dhaka

Date

2009

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

SANDEE, Kathmandu, NP

Abstract

Relatively simple measures, such as the use of a narrow-neck water container or hand-washing can reduce diarrhoeal risk and duration. The mother's education and awareness also play an important role in lowering the prevalence of diarrhoea. The study assesses the financial cost of diarrhea to households and finds that slum households spend approximately 1% of their annual income on diarrhoea related costs. NGO and mass media public information campaigns should give more emphasis on safe storage of water, effective hand washing and other basic hygiene issues.

Description

This policy brief is based on SANDEE working paper no. 46-09 "Prevalence and costs of childhood diarrhoea in the slums of Dhaka"

Keywords

HEALTH SURVEYS, EPIDEMIOLOGY, DIARRHOEAL DISEASES, FINANCIAL ASPECTS, HEALTH EDUCATION, DISEASE CONTROL, INDIA, ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, SOUTH ASIA

Citation

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