The inauguration of the Diarrhea Prevention Campaign was held on Monday at the Children’s Department of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital. The campaign is a joint initiative of the Institute, its Children’s Department, and the District Health and Family Welfare Department. The campaign, which will run until July 31, aims to reduce child mortality caused by diarrhea. As part of this initiative, ASHA workers will visit every household with children under five, providing two ORS packets and one packet of zinc tablets per child. Zinc tablets must be administered for 14 days exclusively when a child is affected by diarrhea. Dr. Satish Kumar, District Health and Family Welfare Officer, emphasized that every parent must be aware of this protocol. He urged parents to take their children to the nearest government hospital if recovery is delayed.
District Surgeon Dr. Nanju Adaya highlighted that the campaign aims for the goal of zero deaths due to diarrhea, with information shared through meetings organized on Village Health Day, in Anganwadis, Village Health and Sanitation Committees, and self help groups in schools and hostels.
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) posters and banners have been unveiled to educate people about the importance of hand washing and maintaining cleanliness. RCH Officer Dr. Madhusudan emphasized the state and central government’s role in implementing this vital initiative.
Dr. Purushottam, Head of the Pediatric Department at the Institute, stated that the campaign is more than just a program, this is a call for action. He urged medical staff and parents to utilize ORS and zinc as “divine medicines” for dehydration prevention.
Dr. Divya Rani and Dr. Salma demonstrated how to make homemade ORS – using six teaspoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of salt, and one liter of clean drinking water – and emphasized that no sour ingredients or sugar must be added to fruit juices administered to sick children. Medical students and health workers also conducted live hand washing and ORS preparation demonstrations.
District Health Education Officer Shanti delivered the welcome address. District Physical Education Officer Gayathri, along with children and their parents, participated in the event.
