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ORS AND ZINC

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc is the global standard for diarrhea treatment.

In its simplest presentation, ORS is a mix of water, sugar, and salt. This combination speeds replacement of fluids in the body. It has saved millions of lives and costs just pennies.

Following ORS, a course of zinc, a micronutrient, reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea. Zinc strengthens the immune system, helps speed recovery, and may prevent diarrhea episodes for up to three months.

Globally, less than half of children have access to ORS, and access to the ORS + zinc is 15%. Access is often lowest where the burden is highest.

In July 2019, the World Health Organization added co-packaged ORS and zinc to its Essential Medicines List, a policy document that will help encourage countries to also prioritize the co-pack in their expenditures, procurement and supply, and training of healthcare providers.

A locker room features five purple jerseys with text and numbers: "Safe Drinking Water 02," "Toilet 01," "ORS + Zinc 07," "Breastfeeding & Nutrition 24," and "Drugs 38." A sign above reads, "Thanks to our Everyday All Star." Confetti is scattered around.

Comparison chart showing cost savings of co-packaged ORS and Zinc in four countries. Kenya: $1.28 vs. $0.59, Nigeria: $1.36 vs. $0.55, Uganda: $0.80 vs. $0.66, Zambia: $1.39 vs. $1.30. Background image of a child.

A mother feeds her baby with a spoon. The baby, wearing a knitted hat, looks at the camera. The image has a blue border with a purple shirt icon labeled "ORS + ZINC 07" and the word "DEFEATDD" at the bottom.

A healthcare setting with a woman feeding a baby. In the foreground, a booklet titled "Diarrhoea" is on a table, surrounded by medical supplies. The room has educational posters on the walls.

How does oral rehydration solution work?

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STATE OF THE FIELD REPORT

The success of ORS and zinc treatment depends on community awareness, affordability, and uptake. Co-packaged ORS and zinc can help address access gaps, and precision mapping can help reveal where availability is still low.

Read the Report