Shillong, May 28: With the aim to intensify efforts to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea, Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) was launched today at Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong. Mr. P. W. Ingty, Additional Chief Secretary, inchage Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in the presence of Mr. P Bakshi, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare cum Mission Director, NHM, Government of Meghalaya, Shri L. M. Pdah, Director of Health Services, (MCH&FW) cum Joint Director NHM, Government of Meghalaya and a host of officials from the Health Department.
This two week long nationwide drive focuses on mobilising health personnel, State Governments and other stakeholders to prioritize investment in control of diarrhoea and aims to create mass awareness about the most effective and low-cost diarrhoea treatment – a combination of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution and Zinc tablets.
Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Shri. P Ingty informed that 10% of childhood death in the country is related to diarrhoea and diarrhoea is the 2nd highest cause of childhood death in the state of Meghalaya.
Therefore, both the Central and State Governments all over the country are committed to work hand in hand to eradicate childhood death due to diarrhoea so as to reduce the infant mortality rate in the nation as a whole. While stating that numerous activities have been chalked out throughout the State, Shri. Ingty called upon all stake holders to priorities IDCF during their fortnight activities
Shri. P Bakshi while stressing on the need to protect children against diarrhoea, stated that under IDCF free zinc tablets and ORS will be distributed to households with under 5 years old children and awareness programmes for parents on ways to handle cases of diarrhoea in children will be conducted.
He also informed that a Rotavirus Vaccine will be introduced by the Government of India and this is expected to reduce child mortality by decreasing the incidence of severe diarrhoea and the frequency of death from diarrhoeal disease.
Dr. Y Shabong, Paediatrician, Ganesh Das Hospital provided a demonstration on the preparation of ORS and the use of Zinc tablets. She also stated adopting healthy habits like hand washing, consuming safe drinking water, maintain sanitation as well as having proper nutrition will go a long way in preventing the occurrence of diarrhoea.
