The programme for combating diarrhoeal diseases in Haiti.

A national program for controlling diarrhea and promoting breastfeeding was launched by the Haitian Government in July 1983 with the aim of reducing the diarrhea mortality rate by 50% over a 3-year period. After almost 2 years of operation the program is judged to have been successful in terms of the implementation of activities the preparation and distribution of educational materials and the mobilization of health workers and volunteers. In 1984 6875 medical and paramedical personnel 5500 national scouts and 5283 people on the community level were trained in oral rehydration techniques. Over 600000 packets of oral rehydration serum were sold or distributed by a total of 2311 distribution sites. Successes achieved are considered to be due to a combination of institutional community multisectorial and commerical approaches. Although the statistics from 1984 suggest significant program activity the results of such activities have not been evaluated. For example the programs impact on the incidence of diarrhea and dehydration or mortality caused by diarrhea remains unknown. Moreover the 2md aspect of the program--promotion of breastfeeding--has been neglected to date and will be the focus of a separate campaign scheduled to begin in June 1985. There is some evidence that other priorities of the Ministry of Public Health and Population including vaccinations nutrition family planning and the fight against tuberculosis and malaria received dwindling attention during the period of the campaign against diarrhea. This seems to reflect the phasic approach of health authorities.