WGO to focus on diarrheal disease prevention, management during World Digestive Health Day

Diarrheal disease, a common gastrointestinal problem with potentially fatal implications in the developing world is the focus of World Digestive Health Day on May 29. Infections that cause diarrhea are serious public health challenges, both in the United States and globally. Acute diarrhea is one of the most commonly reported illnesses in the United States, second only to respiratory infections, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Worldwide, acute diarrhea is the leading cause of death in children younger than four years old.

Increased awareness of prevention and management of diarrheal diseases is this year's objective for the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) in its annual observance of World Digestive Health Day. The American College of Gastroenterology has identified a number of resources for those seeking information on the global issue of diarrheal disease, as well as tips and strategies for those here in the United States to manage acute diarrhea.

"Here in the United States, exposure to the types of infections that cause acute diarrhea is very different than in the developing world, but the commitment of gastroenterologists to digestive health is the same," explained ACG President Delbert L. Chumley, M.D., FACG. "The American College of Gastroenterology is a supporter of and contributor to the mission of the WGO and applauds this year's emphasis on improving child survival in developing countries and reducing morbidity and mortality from diarrheal diseases in the industrialized world."