Anti-diarrhoea campaign kicks off

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 9

With an aim to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea in the state, Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra launched the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) at Mata Kaushalya Hospital here today. 

Brahm Mohindra said, “After the success of the measles-rubella campaign, we are launching the anti-diarrhoea campaign in the state.” 

The minister kicked off the campaign with much fanfare by giving ORS solution to a child at the hospital. The minister said the campaign would cover 35 lakh children in the age group of 0-5 years. 

The drive will be held for two weeks up to July 21. Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said almost all  deaths due to diarrhoea could be averted by preventing and treating dehydration through the use of ORS (oral rehydration solution), administration of zinc tablets, along with adequate nutritional intake. 

A play was staged by students of the nursing department of the hospital. The play highlighted that diarrhoea could be prevented through the intake of safe drinking water, ensuring sanitation, breastfeeding and hand-washing. 

In fact, 1.2 lakh deaths are reported in India due to diarrhoea annually. As per the Punjab Health Department, as many as 89 deaths were reported in the state in 2017. Most deaths were reported from rural as well as slum areas. Director (Health Services) Naresh Kansra, said, “During the fortnight, intensified community awareness campaigns on hygiene and the promotion of ORS and zinc therapy will be conducted in the state.” In the drive, ASHAs would distribute ORS packets among households having children under the age of five years.