Abstract

Diarrhea is the second foremost reason for death in children below 5 years old in the sub-Saharan African region. Insufficient cleanliness, food insecurity, and inadequate health facilities are markers of SSA and thus contribute to high rates of diarrhea in this area. Diarrhea can trigger worry in the family due to the increased financial costs of fighting the illness. Frequent episodes of diarrhea can put physical and mental stress on mothers and caregivers, not to mention the cost of treating diarrhea, placing an additional burden on an already declining health sector. Several factors influence the occurrence of diarrhea in kids: socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Measures to prevent diarrhea include using clean water, practicing better hygiene, washing hands with soap, and providing adequate and complete vaccination. A blend of clean water, sugar, and salt, commonly termed oral rehydration solution (ORS), is used to treat diarrhea. Zinc supplements may improve recovery from diarrhea. Despite the preventable and treatable nature of diarrhea, the rate of deaths among children in the sub-Saharan African region due to diarrhea is unfathomable. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly re-establish mechanisms to combat this threat. In this article, we reviewed the frequency of diarrhea in children living in sub-Saharan African regions, its impact, and the factors that promote its persistence. We also suggested measures that can be taken to combat this childhood monster while enhancing existing control and treatment measures. We used data from articles published in various reputable databases. Keywords: curbing; diarrhea; Sub-Saharan Africa; standpoint; children below 5 years of age; gastrointestinal infection; WHO; child health