Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026 was launched in Longleng, Wokha, Phek and Zunheboto on Tuesday to prevent child mortality.
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DIMAPUR — The Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026 was officially launched in multiple districts of Nagaland on Tuesday on the theme "Stop diarrhoea through hygiene and ORS".
The campaign, an initiative of the Government of India, aims to achieve zero child deaths due to diarrhoea by promoting hygiene practices and ensuring the widespread use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc among children under five years of age.
Longleng: In Longleng, the campaign was launched at the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) conference hall by Deputy Commissioner W Manpai Phom. A keynote address and presentation on the objectives of the campaign were delivered by Dr. Imtijungshi Aier, District Programme Officer (DPO) (Reproductive and Child Health and Universal Immunisation Programme).
Speaking on the occasion, the DC highlighted that the campaign mainly focuses on preventing diarrhoeal diseases among children through increased awareness, proper understanding of preventive measures, and community participation.
He also highlighted the role of teachers and educational institutions in educating young students about hygiene and encouraged accredited social health activists (ASHAs) to strengthen community coverage and awareness activities.
President of the Phom Peoples' Council, YB Angam Phom, advised the medical department to use church and community platforms to disseminate information, particularly on the importance of ORS and zinc tablets. The Education department was also urged to play an active role.
Wokha: In Wokha, the campaign was launched by DC K Mhathung Tsanglao at the CMO conference hall.
Tsanglao called upon the ASHAs in the district to disseminate information on the importance of ORS and zinc. He praised the dedication of the ASHAs and encouraged them to give their best efforts.
Delivering the welcome address, CMO Wokha Dr. Thungchangbemo Ezung informed that the human body consists of nearly 70 per cent fluid, and diarrhoea can lead to quick fluid loss and dehydration, posing severe health risks to children. He urged health workers to conduct home visits, distribute ORS and zinc, set up ORS and zinc corners at health centres, and organise health talks.
A practical demonstration of ORS preparation was conducted by Renkhono, ASHA.
Phek: In Phek, the campaign was launched by CMO Phek Dr. Chitale Hiese.
DPO, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child plus Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCH A + N), Dr. Khriekuolie Liezietsu highlighted that the campaign is being implemented in two phases: a preparatory phase from June 1 to the 15th and an implementation phase from June 16 to July 31.
He stated that the campaign will adopt four key strategies: distributing ORS and zinc to households with children under five, strengthening health facilities for dehydration management, conducting intensive social and behaviour change communication, and promoting stakeholder convergence.
Special attention will be given to HRAs, including urban slums, brick kilns, border regions, and hard-to-reach communities.
Zunheboto: In Zunheboto, the campaign was launched at the DC conference hall.
DC Dharam Raj attended the event as the guest of honour and stressed the need for public awareness and education to combat diarrhoeal diseases, urging residents to maintain proper hygiene, consume cooked food, and avoid feeding potentially unsafe food to young children. He advised caution regarding untreated drinking water and encouraged the use of water purification methods.
He also highlighted the importance of zinc tablets as immunity boosters and encouraged healthcare workers and community leaders to spread awareness.
Dr. Heto Swu, DPO (RCH and UIP), in his keynote address, outlined the campaign's objectives, which include ensuring coverage for children suffering from diarrhoea, promoting preventive measures, and training healthcare workers on the use of ORS, zinc supplementation, and hand hygiene.