A new vaccine currently in trials targets Shigella, a major cause of deadly diarrheal disease, which claims more than 1 million lives a year, according to NPR.
Key facts
- Over 1 million people die from diarrheal disease each year, according to NPR.
- Nearly half of those deaths are children under the age of 5, NPR reports.
- A new vaccine targeting Shigella, a major cause of the disease, is currently in trials.
- The vaccine's effectiveness has not yet been established, as it remains in the trial stage.
A new vaccine in development could help address one of the world’s most persistent public health challenges: deadly diarrheal disease. According to NPR, the illness kills more than 1 million people every year, making it a significant global cause of death.
The toll falls especially hard on the youngest and most vulnerable. NPR reports that nearly half of those who die from diarrheal disease are children under the age of 5, underscoring the impact the illness has on early childhood survival.
The vaccine, which is currently in trials, targets Shigella, a major cause of the disease. NPR describes the vaccine as offering hope in efforts to reduce the annual death toll.
It is not yet known how effective the vaccine will prove to be, as it remains in the trial stage. Its progress will be watched by health experts working to reduce deaths from diarrheal disease, particularly among young children in the hardest-hit regions.
Efforts to develop effective vaccines against diarrheal disease have long been seen as a key strategy for preventing deaths. If this vaccine proves successful, NPR reports it could represent a meaningful step toward reducing the more than 1 million deaths attributed to the disease each year.
Why it matters
Diarrheal disease is one of the world's leading causes of death and disproportionately kills young children under 5. According to NPR, a successful vaccine targeting Shigella could offer significant hope in reducing that toll, though its effectiveness has yet to be proven in trials.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die from diarrheal disease each year?
According to NPR, more than 1 million people die from diarrheal disease annually.
Who is most affected by diarrheal disease?
Nearly half of those who die from diarrheal disease are children under the age of 5, according to NPR.
Is the vaccine available yet?
No. NPR reports that the vaccine is currently in trials and offers hope against a major cause of the disease.