Health Minister launches Stop Diarrhoea Campaign
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 15 2024: Health & Family Welfare and IPR Minister, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh on Monday launched the "Stop Diarrhoea Campaign, 2024" during an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Hall in Lamphelpat, Imphal West.

Speaking as the chief guest of the launching event, Dr S Ranjan urged the Health Department, ASHA and Anganwadi workers and the public to extend their support in ensuring that the awareness campaign reaches every nook and comer of the State.

He also stressed on the need to inculcate handwash habits and encouraged good hygiene behaviour and attitude among the students & youths.

The Minister pointed out that the Health Department has been organising awareness programmes on a yearly basis.

He continued that ASHA workers and District Health Centers including CHC & PHC have a pivotal role in distributing the medicines to those who are in need, adding that the same requires cooperation from those in charge of medical stores & pantries.

The Minister emphasized the significance of the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign and propounded the need to begin the campaign immediately.

He called for support and collaboration from the people to attain the goal behind the campaign of zero child deaths due to diarrhoea.

He also urged the authorities concerned to ascertain the cause of chronic diarrhoea among children, collect district wise records, supervise and take precautionary measures to prevent the disease.

Dr Ranjan further mentioned the weary situation in the State triggered by the recent floods and hailstorm apart from the prevailing conflict.

He acknowledged the efforts made by the medical teams in collaboration with other departments to provide relief and mental health counselling to those affected and termed their actions as commendable.

A Hungyo Worshang, Special Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Manipur, stressed on the role of students in promoting good hygiene habits and significance of having access to clean water.

Delivering keynote address, Dr A Sylvia, SNO-Child Health, highlighted the causes & symptoms of Diarrhea and also briefed on the "Prevent, Protect, and Treat (PPT)" strategy and usage of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc to fight the disease.

Demonstrations on handwashing techniques, ORS preparation & presentation and distribution of ORS to selected kids were the main highlights of the event.

L Nandakumar Singh, Director of Education; Ngangom Uttam, Director, Social Welfare; Dr O Sanahanbi Devi, Director, Health Services and Dr M Dinesh Singh, State Health Mission Director, NHM, Manipur graced the event as guests of honour.

Officials and staff of the Health Department, ASHA workers, nursing students and others were also present at the programme.

The event was jointly organised by State Health Society, NHM, Manipur and Directorate of Health Services, Manipur.

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