"The discovery that sodium transport and glucose
transport are coupled in the small intestine so that glucose accelerates absorption of
solute and water (is) potentially
the most important medical advance this century."
British Scientific Journal. 5th August, 1978
The scientific rationale for ORT, and for continued feeding during diarrhoea,
has been established beyond doubt. The challenge now is to place that knowledge in the
hands of parents so that they themselves can protect their children against the
dehydration and malnutrition caused by childhood's most common disease.
What do experts say about ORT?
"The discovery of oral rehydration therapy is
as important as the discovery of penicillin." Professor Mamdouh Gabr - Cairo University, Faulty of Medicine
"We believe that, ultimately, widespread
adoption of ORT in developing countries will break the vicious cycle of diarrhoea,
malnutrition, and death - especially for the principal victims : very young
children." Dr. W B Greennough, Director, International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease
"ORT can rightly be called the medical
miracle of this century .... For peoples in Asia, Africa and Latin American, ORT holds the
promise of healthier childhoods and more productive adult lives." Shamsul Hag. Minister for Health and Population Control, Government of Bangladesh.
"Today the high success rate and low cost of
ORT makes it the preferred treatment for mildly or moderately dehydrated children.
According to current American Academy of Pediatrics practice guidelines, ORT is as
effective as IV therapy for treatment of mild to moderate dehydration." Mayo Clinic
"A significant development in recent years
has been the demonstration that dehydration from diarrhoea of any etiology can be treated
using a simple glucose-electrolyte solution given by mouth." Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics
12th Edition 1983
"Nearly 90% of mortality from
diarrhoea is due to fluid loss. Accurate and timely replacement of that loss is
lifesaving." Dr. Norbert Hirschlorn - Nutrition Reviews Volume 40, page 87, 1982