Diarrhea: Global killer

Here at home, when a child has diarrhea, it’s a nuisance. In most parts of the world, when a child has diarrhea, it’s deadly.

There are currently 2 billion cases of children with diarrheal disease a year worldwide. (1)

2.2 million children die each year from diarrheal disease, and that number is increasing. (2)

Diarrhea kills more children worldwide than malaria, measles, and AIDS combined. (3)

Those who survive diarrheal illnesses in the early years of life often suffer serious, lifelong health problems including weak immune systems, stunted growth, and impaired cognitive development. This means diminished opportunities and productivity over a lifetime for millions of people. (4)

Diarrhea is a leading cause of death during complex emergencies, natural disasters, and refugee migrations. Displacement of populations into temporary, overcrowded shelters is often associated with polluted water sources, inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene practices, contaminated food and malnutrition – all of which affect the spread and severity of diarrhea. Most pathogens that cause diarrhea share a similar mode of transmission – from the stool of one person to the mouth of another. Diarrhea control is a main concern when responding to complex emergencies.

DOCS is on the ground in emergency situations across the globe providing oral rehydration therapy to people suffering from diarrheal disease. Additionally, DOCS is teaching mothers how to mix and administer an ORT solution at home. Through this education, children can be saved in their own beds, not in a hospital bed.


cutting edge technology—A simple solution

Once someone is sick with diarrhea, clean water isn’t enough to help her or him recover. The addition of salt and sugar in water are necessary to help the body absorb nutrients. This is called Oral Rehydration Therapy.

DOCS founder Dr. Eduardo Dolhun has developed a "third-generation", good tasting Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) called Drip Drop ORS in San Francisco. A low-cost, good-tasting, proven ORT containing clinical levels of electrolytes.

Drip Drop has been shown to be substantially palatable than standard ORS, which significantly increases palatability. Dr. DripDrop is the next-level in Oral Rehydration Therapy.

The World Health Organization has called the discovery of the mechanism behind Oral Rehydration Therapy “one of the most important medical advances of the 20th century.” (5)

While ORT has proven effective, there remains a lack of attention, funding, and political commitment to make the use of ORT commonplace in pediatric healthcare— both in disaster situations and routine care.

DOCS is committed to providing and administering ORS to save the lives of babies and children around the world.