Bhubaneswar, Jul 26: The Odisha Government has intensified its efforts to curb the spread of diarrhoea, a significant cause of childhood deaths, by launching the 'STOP Diarrhoea' campaign. This initiative aims to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality through preventive measures and prompt treatment.
In a letter to Collectors and Commissioners, the Health and Family Welfare Department highlighted the campaign's importance. Scheduled to run from July 1 to August 31, 2024, the campaign will be implemented in an integrated manner, addressing not only diarrhoea but also malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, leprosy, and immunization.
Key activities of the campaign include:
- Distribution of ORS packets and Zinc tablets to households
- Enhancing service provision for case management at healthcare facilities
- Establishing integrated Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) corners
- Screening for TB, leprosy, and dengue cases
- Identifying immunization dropouts and pregnant women not tested for Hepatitis-B
- Organising cleanliness drives and community sensitization efforts
- The government has called on all stakeholders to support the campaign, aiming to achieve zero child deaths due to diarrhoea. Representatives from key departments will coordinate with the Health and Family Welfare Department to ensure effective implementation.
District authorities have been directed to issue similar directives to concerned departments to facilitate extensive coverage and reinforce crucial messages. The campaign's success depends on collective efforts to combat diarrhoea and other vector-borne diseases.
