Burden of Diarrhoeal Diseases through Complementary Foods: A Review

Diarrhoeal disease is considered a public health problem with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among children under the age of five years. In India, like other developing countries, diarrhoeal diseases are important child health problem. Food is an important factor in transmitting pathogens that cause diarrheal illness. Diarrhea can be caused by numerous pathogens and transmitted through multiple vehicles. Complementary foods prepared under unhygienic conditions are frequently heavily contaminated with pathogens and may thus be a major factor in causing diarrhoea diseases. Diarrheal diseases are major causes of malnutrition, delayed physical development and early childhood mortality. Diarrhea can cause acute wasting and is the most important infectious determinant of stunting of children’s linear growth. The prevention of diarrhoea in infants and children requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the promotion of safe preparation and handling of complementary food. Food contamination can be reduced using a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology at the household level. Mothers and caregivers must wash their hands before feeding children and preparing food.