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Marketing Zinc for Childhood Diarrhea Treatment: Results from household and provider surveys in Benin and Uganda

This presentation gives an overview of results from two studies of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary providers toward diarrhea treatment in Benin and Uganda. In Benin, many providers recommended oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc to treat diarrhea; however, over half (58 percent) of those providers also recommended a second treatment with an antibiotic (Flagyl). In Uganda, of the few providers that primarily recommened zinc (or zinc plus ORS), half also recommended co-treatment with antibiotics. The presentation details the survey methodolodies, findings, and recommendations for increasing the perscription of zinc to treat childhood diarrhea.