With the evidence for the effectiveness of zinc supplements in the treatment of diarrhoea well established, studies were undertaken in India, Mali and Pakistan to assess the feasibility and constraints of incorporating zinc into routine treatment of acute diarrhoea at the local level. Results from these studies, completed at the end of 2007, were reviewed in a meeting organized by CAH in Delhi (India) from 29-31 January 2008. When ORS and zinc supplements were made available together at the community level they produced two very important benefits in addition to a reduction in hospitalizations for diarrhoea: a significant increase in the uptake of ORS and a significant reduction in the inappropriate use of drugs. The results of these studies confirm that it is urgent to scale up this intervention in order to reduce mortality due to diarrhoea and contribute to the achievement of MDG#4.

More detailed information is available on request from WHO department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development.