The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has expressed a strong belief that providing access to known health interventions will go a long way toward saving lives, specifically the lives of children.

Because global health has been such a priority over the last 25 years, preventable child deaths have been reduced to half since 1990. That still leaves many children dying from diseases that are entirely preventable. One of the leading causes of death in children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia is diarrheal disease.

Diarrheal disease causes a child to lose enormous amounts of fluids which then causes them to become extremely dehydrated. This disease can have a long-term effect on a child’s overall health and development.

Fortunately, there is a low-cost solution that will help to re-hydrate children who have lost a dangerous amount of fluids quickly and effectively. The Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a simple, yet highly effective sugar and salt mixture. There are many benefits to this relatively new solution, which include:

1. Helping to combat other diseases that cause dehydration such as Cholera and Ebola.
2. It can cost as little as 10 cents a packet (Although it is most often given out for free in developing and/or impoverished countries).
3. Not only hydrates but provides the body with natural, essential salts.
4. ORS was first introduced in 1979 and has a proven, growing track record.
5. Easy to administer; parents with limited instructions can do it themselves.
6. ORS is improved upon not just by one country but many, which expedites its improvement as well as allowing countries to personalize their solution, tailoring it to their specific needs.

Unfortunately, this life-saving solution is not being used in many countries that could benefit from it. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation is dedicated to making sure preventative treatments such as ORS are available where they are needed most.

– Drusilla Gibbs

Sources: Impatient Optimists, Rehydrate, WHO
Photo: defeatdd