Zinc is an essential micronutrient associated with over 300 biological
functions. Marginal zinc deficiency states are common among children
living in poverty and exposed to diets either low in zinc or high in
phytates that compromise zinc uptake. These children are at increased
risk of morbidity due to infectious diseases, including diarrhoea and
respiratory infection. Children aged less than five years (under-five
children) and those exposed to zinc-deficient diets will benefit from
either daily supplementation of zinc or a 10 to 14-day course of zinc
treatment for an episode of acute diarrhoea. This includes less severe
illness and a reduced likelihood of repeat episodes of diarrhoea. Given
these findings, the World Health Organization/United Nations
Children’s Fund now recommend that all children with an acute
diarrhoeal illness be treated with zinc, regardless of aetiology.
ICDDR.B scientists have led the way in identifying the benefits of
zinc. Now, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, Government of Bangladesh and the private sector, the first
national scaling up of zinc treatment has been carried out. Important
challenges remain in terms of reaching the poorest families and those
living in remote areas of Bangladesh