Cholera kills 300,000 kids — UNICEF

At least 300,000 children younger than five years died last year from diarrhoeal infections without safe drinking water and sanitation, says the United Nations Children’s Fund. That’s a "rate of more than 800 per day…yet many of these deaths could have been prevented through the simple act of handwashing with soap," according to the Fund. […]

At least 300,000 children younger than five years died last year from diarrhoeal infections without safe drinking water and sanitation, says the United Nations Children’s Fund.

That’s a "rate of more than 800 per day…yet many of these deaths could have been prevented through the simple act of handwashing with soap," according to the Fund.
 
It comes amidst concern about cholera spreading fast in the wake of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti and a new outbreak in war-ravaged Yemen.

In a statement marking global hand washing day, UNICEF urged children, families and communities to make washing hands with soap a habit to help prevent the spread of diseases.
 
“Every year, 1.4 million children are dying from largely preventable diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea,” said UNICEF’s global head of water, sanitation and hygiene Sanjay Wijesekera.

“These are staggering numbers, but they could be greatly reduced by working with children and families to adopt a very straightforward solution – handwashing. We know, for example, that handwashing with soap before meals and after using the toilet could reduce the incidence of diarrhoeal infections by 40 per cent.”
 
A recent UNICEF survey found one in 10 households did not know about the critical times to wash hands and could not demonstrate proper handwashing techniques.

Only 12% of households had handwashing facilities with soap or ash located at their latrines.
 
“Handwashing just makes sense as a frontline preventive measure to keep children safe from disease – it’s simple, cost effective and a proven lifesaver,” said Wijesekera. 
 
In Haiti, a country with poor water and sanitation infrastructure and a persistent cholera outbreak, suspected cholera cases and acute diarrhoea have increased sharply since the October 4 hurricane.
 
“This is everyone’s worst nightmare,” said Marc Vincent, UNICEF Representative in Haiti.

“Less than two weeks after the hurricane, cholera may be spreading in areas where it previously barely existed and diarrhoea is preying on already vulnerable children. Immediate action is essential – children’s health is at risk.”