Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight Campaign (4th July to 17th July 2023)Launched in Punjab

Chandigarh, 04 July,
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, Giving special attention to high priority areas and vulnerable communities, Strengthening advocacy and awareness campaigns for diarrhea management, Enhancing service provision for diarrhea case management, Establishing ORS-Zinc corners, Distributing ORS-Zinc to households with under-five children through ASHA workers, Conducting awareness activities to promote sanitation and hygiene and Hand washing practices, etc.
By raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and taking proactive measures, we can prevent and control diarrhea, leading to healthier communities and an improved quality of life.
Over the past three years, the coverage of IDCF in Punjab has consistently exceeded 90%, with last year’s coverage reaching an impressive 95%. As an incentive, all ASHA workers are provided with Rs. 1 for every ORS sachet given to children under the age of five.
In conclusion, the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight campaign in Punjab aims to combat childhood diarrhea effectively, reduce child mortality rates, and promote a healthier future for the younger generation. Various posters on IDCF activities and Audio spots were released by worthy MD NHM during the launch to create awareness among the public. During the event, Dr. Ravinderpal Kaur, Director Family Welfare, Dr Rupinder Kaur, Deputy Director,Dr, Inderdeep Kaur, State Programme Officer, Sourabh Gupta ACFA and others were also present