Results in Honduras and The Gambia attest to the potential of mass media and communication to increase home ORT use. However, the difficulty sustaining gains demonstrates the need for long-term commitments. 1989 Pakistan study of pediatric cholera patients suggests feeding plus glucose ORS may significantly reduce stool output and duration of diarrhea. Cholera appears in Latin America after an absence of over 100 years. Past investments bear fruit in Latin America where CDD technologies and programs already in place, including the use of ORT, help keep cholera deaths to a minimum.
Cholera epidemics reappear in Africa and Asia.
Four out of five ORS packets are now produced in the country where used. 1994 International efforts have reduced the toll of child deaths due to dehydration from four million each year to less than three million. Applied research, increasingly effective programs, and greater involvement of private sector and community organizations promise to extend the life-saving therapy to greater numbers of children. Looking to the year 2000, achieving ORT use and diarrhea mortality reduction targets set in 1990 will require political commitment and resources to meet global needs.