IMPHAL — Minister of Health and Family Welfare and IPR Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, on Monday launched the “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2024” at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Hall in Lamphelpat, Imphal West.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister urged the Health Department, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, as well as the general public to extend their support in creating awareness across the state.
While stressing the need to inculcate hand washing habit and encouraging good hygiene, he highlighted the pivotal role of the ASHA workers and district health centres including CHC and PHC, medical stores and pantries, in distributing the medicines to those in need.
He called for support and collaboration from the people towards attaining the goal of zero child deaths due to diarrhoea and urged the concerned authorities to ascertain the cause of chronic diarrhoea among children, collect district-wise records, supervise and take precautionary measures to prevent the disease.
While expressing concern over the health situation posed by the recent floods and hailstorm besides the prevailing ethnic conflict, the doctor acknowledged the efforts made by the medical teams and various departments for providing relief and mental health counselling to the victims.
Also speaking at the event, A Hungyo Worshang, Special Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), Manipur, stressed the role of students in promoting good hygiene habits. He also pointed out the significance of having access to clean water, while maintaining that a collective effort is required to make the two month-long campaign a success.
Dr. A. Sylvia, SNO-Child Health, in her keynote address, highlighted the causes and symptoms of diarrhoea as well as briefed on how to prevent, protect, and treat (PPT) strategy and usage of oral rehydration solution (ors) and zinc to fight the disease.
Jointly organised by State Health Society, NHM, Manipur and Directorate of Health Services, the event saw many officials, healthcare workers and students attend.