The STOP Diarrhoea Campaign will be implemented in two phases: from 14th to 30th June 2024 and from 1st July to 31st August 2024
Its eyes set on ensuring zero child deaths in children because of diarrhoea, the health ministry has launched a national campaign.
Union Health Minister, JP Nadda launched the National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 on Monday in the presence of Union Ministers of State, Anupriya Patel and Jadhav Patraprao Ganpatrao
STOP Diarrhoea Campaign aims to attain zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea. It involves a 2-month long drive with pre-positioning of 2 ORS packets and zinc as a co-packaging to under-5 children
Various initiatives of the Union Government like the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and expansion of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network have cumulatively helped in reducing childhood mortality due to diarrhoea, Nadda said at the launch event. He also emphasised on the importance of sensitizing health workers along with enhancing capacity building efforts to strengthen diarrhoea management effort in India
Nadda recalling his old association with the ministry of health said that “there is a unique relationship between Mission Indradhanush, Rotavirus vaccine and this STOP Diarrhoea Campaign as all were amongst the first initiatives launched during my earlier tenure as the Health Minister”. He highlighted that in 2014, India was the first country to introduce the Rotavirus vaccine.
To tackle the persistent issue of childhood diarrhoea and strive for zero child deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has rebranded its long-standing Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) as the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign. This initiative, which began in 2014, focuses on enhancing the Prevent, Protect, and Treat (PPT) strategy and increasing the use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc. The campaign’s 2024 slogan, “Diarrhoea ki Roktham, Safai aur ORS se rakhen apna dhyaan” highlights the significance of prevention, cleanliness, and appropriate treatment.
The STOP Diarrhoea Campaign will be implemented in two phases: the Preparatory Phase from 14th to 30th June 2024, and the Campaign Phase from 1st July to 31st August 2024. Key activities during this period include the distribution of ORS and Zinc co-packages by ASHA workers to households with children under five, setting up ORS-Zinc corners at health facilities and Anganwadi centers, and intensifying advocacy and awareness efforts for effective diarrhoea management. Additionally, the campaign will strengthen service provision for diarrhoea case management to ensure comprehensive care and prevention.
Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary said: “Diarrhoea is a common disease faced by children. Earlier the government used to run a fortnightly campaign to reduce diarrhoea which is now reinvigorated into a much extensive and comprehensive campaign.”
