Acute diarrhea in children: dissecting the drivers of an endemic disease in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Acute diarrhea remains a devastating disease among under-five children in sub-Saharan African (SSA). The burden of the disease has remained unacceptably high despite the emphasis on case detection and prompt management at home and health facilities. Environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural factors are some of the complex and inter-related social determinants of acute diarrhea in the sub-region. Relevant articles on acute diarrhea in children were retrieved using multiple databases and search engines. Searches were refined using Boolean Operators by combining multiple keywords. In addition, WHO, UNIDEF, and World Bank documents on acute diarrhea as well as the National Demographic Health Surveys of specific countries were retrieved and reviewed. Acute diarrhea remains a leading cause of deaths among under-five children in SSA, driven by systemic and socioeconomic factors. Partial success has been recorded but long-term progress hinges on sustained investments, political will, and community-based strategies to address root causes such as underdevelopment and poverty.