Hygiene stressed to keep diarrhoea at bay
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2019:
The Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight 2019 was launched at JNIMS conference hall today.
The programme organised by Health and Family Welfare Department, State Health Society, NHM, will conclude on June 8.Speaking as the chief guest at the launch ceremony, Director of Eduction (S) Manipur, Th Kirankumar Singh said that it is indeed a waste if a valuable life is lost due to diarrhoea and added that the main goal of the mission is definitely to prevent such easily avoidable deaths due to diarrhoea.
Stating that use of towel, soaps and proper handwashing techniques are being taught to the school children, he informed that as a apart of the programme, handwashing competition will be organised at the schools.
5/6 children will be selected from each zone and from these students, those who are most proficient with the techniques and are well versed in all the details etc, will be announced the winners, he added.
The Director further explained that dirty hands are the major causes of various diseases as the germs on the hands enter the body through food which results in various complications.
As such, proper handwashing technique is very important, he said, adding that if proper awareness are given to the people, the cases of diarrhoea will subside.
Giving the keynote address, State Nodal Officer (SNO) Child Health, Dr A Sylvia said that 10 percent of the cause of death of children below the age of 10 years, is usually diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea is common during summer and monsoon season and in areas which have low socio-economic conditions.
If the patient are given ORS and Zinc tablets, diarrhoea can be successfully treated, the doctor added.
She also stressed on the importance of easy yet effective methods of preventing diarrhoea like proper breast feeding, ensuring clean and safe drinking water, proper handwashing and sanitation processes, immunization etc.
The main aim of the programme is to spread the information of use of ORS and Zinc tablets for treating diarrhoea, methods to prevent the disease etc, she said, adding that the programme aims for reducing the mortality rate to zero.
Director of Social Welfare Ng Utam Singh, State Mission Director, NHM, Manipur, S Manikanta Singh and Director of JNIMS, Professor Th Bhimo were also present as presidium members.