Dr Ranjan gives clarion call to end diarrhoea fatality
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 15 2024: Health & Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh launched the "Stop Diarrhoea Campaign, 2024" in an event held at the Lamphelpat hall of Indian Medical Association (IMA), here, on Monday.

Speaking as chief guest of the campaign launch, Dr Ranjan urged the Health Department, ASHA & Anganwadi workers and the public to extend support in ensuring that the awareness campaign reaches every nook and corner of the state.

He also stressed the need to inculcate proper hand wash habits and encourage good hygiene behaviour and attitude among the students and youth.

While pointing out that the Health Department has been conducting awareness programmes on yearly basis, the minister emphasised that ASHA workers and District health centres including CHC, PHC have a pivotal role in distributing the medicines to those in need, with cooperation of those in charge of medical stores and pantries.

Dr Ranjan also highlighted the significance of the 'Stop Diarrhoea Campaign' and propounded the need to begin the campaign immediately along with seeking support and collaboration from the people to achieve the goal of the campaign for zero child (age 5 years and below) deaths due to diarrhoea.

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

He also talked about the weary situation in the state triggered by the recent floods and hailstorm apart from the prevailing conflict and 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.

The minister reiterated his appeal to authorities concerned and the public to extend their support and cooperation in reaching the 'Stop Diarrhoea Awareness' to every corner of the state.

Addressing the gathering, special secretary (Health & Family Welfare) A Hungyo Worshang stressed the role of students in promoting good hygiene habits and pointed out the significance of having access to clean water.

It entails collective effort of the students, public and the media to make the two month-long campaign a success, he added.

Delivering the keynote address, SNO-Child Health Dr A Sylvia highlighted the causes and symptoms of Diarrhoea and also briefed those present 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 and presentation and distribution of ORS to selected kids were the other highlights of the event.

Education director L Nandakumar Singh, Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam, Health Services director Dr O Sanahanbi Devi, and NHM, Manipur state health mission director Dr M Dinesh Singh were guests of honour of the event also attended by officials and staff of the Health Department, ASHA workers, nursing students and others.

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

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