Intensified Diarrhea Control fortnight campaign launched in Punjab

Published on: 05 Jul 2023 at 10:24 AM

Published by: thefactnews

The Fact News Service

Chandigarh, July 5

Dr. Abhinav Trikha, Secretary Health cum Mission Director, National Health Mission, Punjab, launched the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight campaign today.

In his address, Dr. Trikha highlighted that childhood diarrhea remains a significant cause of mortality among children under the age of five, contributing to approximately 5-7% of under-five deaths in the country.

However, timely and appropriate treatment with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc can save many lives.

The Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) has been implemented nationwide since 2014, with the aim of intensifying efforts to reach millions of children and ultimately achieving zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhea.

During this year’s IDCF, which will be observed in Punjab from 4th to 17th July 2023, services will be provided to approximately 33 lakh children under the age of five years .

The campaign aims to have a lasting impact on diarrhea prevention and management through various activities and initiatives like Ensuring high coverage of ORS and Zinc usage rates in children with diarrhea, Promoting appropriate behavior among caregivers for the prevention and management of diarrhea in under-five children.