Abstract

<p>Diarrheal diseases remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately two billion cases of diarrheal disease occur globally each year, resulting in the death of 1.9 million children annually, most of whom reside in low- and middle-income countries. Diarrheal diseases, primarily caused by unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices, account for approximately 18% of all child deaths under five, translating to over 5,000 child fatalities per day. The African and South-East Asian regions bear the highest burden, with 78% of diarrheal deaths occurring in these areas. Despite improvements in public health, a child in these regions continues to die from diarrhea every 15 seconds due to poor sanitation and contaminated water sources. The majority of these deaths can be prevented through improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. Additionally, each episode of diarrhea weakens the child’s immune system, making them vulnerable to further infections, compounding the indirect mortality burden. Children under five experience an average of three acute diarrhea episodes annually, which severely affects their health and development. This paper highlights the continued global health challenge posed by diarrhea, especially in regions with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, and underscores the urgent need for effective public health strategies to address these issues. The goal of this research is to assess the knowledge and management strategies employed by mothers in preventing and managing diarrhea in children under five, with a focus on a case study from Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria, where these challenges are most pronounced.</p>