In Person
Globally, diarrheal disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children under five
years, accounting for over half a million deaths annually. Diarrhea arises mostly from
contaminated food and water sources. Worldwide 2.5 billion people lack proper sanitation, and
780 million lack access to safe drinking water. Diarrhea contributes to the incidence of
malnutrition in children as each episode deprives the child of optimal nutrition. In resource-poor
communities, children under three years have about three episodes of diarrhea annually.