Why India Struggles to Treat Child Diarrhea

A RECENT study led by U.S.-based researchers and published in reveals critical gaps in the quality of healthcare for child diarrhea in India, where simple, affordable treatments are often neglected. The research highlights significant systemic barriers that lead to substandard care and missed opportunities to treat a condition that remains a leading cause of child mortality globally. Diarrhea claims over 500,000 young lives annually, with the majority of cases preventable through oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and zinc. Yet, according to the study, only 20% of Indian children suffering from diarrhea receive appropriate treatment.

The team conducted an experimental study in rural India, observing 1,400 healthcare providers, including informal, unlicensed practitioners who serve as primary care providers for many communities. Findings indicate that over half of the cases are treated with antibiotics instead of ORS, contrary to standard guidelines. A significant factor is financial incentives—providers tend to prescribe antibiotics, which families are more willing to pay for, rather than ORS, which has no clear financial gain for them.

The study emphasizes the urgent need for education and regulatory changes to encourage the use of ORS and zinc, both highly effective and low-cost treatments. Enhanced training for healthcare providers, coupled with better regulation, could transform treatment practices in underserved areas. Additionally, by educating caregivers on the dangers of overusing antibiotics, public health advocates hope to prevent growing antibiotic resistance.

For healthcare providers worldwide, the study underscores the importance of structured interventions and oversight in improving healthcare quality, particularly in low-resource settings. As the burden of treatable conditions persists, these insights provide a call to action for targeted investments and strategic policy reform to bridge healthcare gaps.

Reference: Wagner Z et al. What drives poor quality of care for child diarrhea? Experimental evidence from India. Science. 2024; 383:6683.

Anaya Malik | AMJ