Zinc for diarrhoea management in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review.

OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence supporting the inclusion of zinc for diarrhoea management specifically in sub-Saharan Africa where diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed for studies assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of zinc for the treatment and prevention of common childhood morbidities. STUDY SELECTION: We included only studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. DATA SYNTHESIS: Details of studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa are presented in the context of the global evidence supporting the use of zinc for diarrhoea management. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant body of evidence to support the use of zinc for diarrhoea management in sub-Saharan Africa. The accelerated introduction of zinc into routine community-based diarrhoea treatment is critical for the reduction of diarrhoea morbidity and mortality.