Stop Diarrhoea Campaign launched across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2025’ was officially launched across multiple districts in Nagaland on Monday, spearheaded by respective district health societies (DHS) under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The campaign, themed “Stop diarrhoea through hygiene and ORS”, aims to reduce diarrhoeal disease-related child mortality through improved access to and use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc, alongside awareness campaigns focusing on sanitation and hygiene.

Kohima: In Kohima, the campaign was officially launched by Rorheu Peseyie, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) (Civil), Kohima.

According to an update, speaking on the occasion, Dr Khrievilhou Nakhro, District Programme Officer (DPO), Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), said that diarrhoea remains high in India among children under five years of age.

He stated that the combination of ORS and zinc has reduced deaths by 50.6%. He emphasised that the availability of ORS and zinc is very important to prevent and control diarrhoea and also provided information about the home preparation of ORS.

He added that the “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2025” is a two-month campaign focusing on preventing, protecting, and treating diarrhoea, during which ORS and zinc are distributed to all health units and Anganwadi centres (AWCs) to be used throughout the fortnight.

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District Vector-Borne Disease Officer (DVBO) Dr. Kevilhulie Meyase highlighted the importance of malaria elimination and the status of malaria prevalence, focusing on strengthening surveillance, improving treatment, and enhancing community participation.

Stating that the district has made significant progress, with some areas reporting zero malaria cases since 2021, he added that efforts include utilising advanced diagnostic tools, distributing insecticide-treated bed nets, and providing free diagnosis and treatment at government health facilities.

Peseyie launched the campaign in the presence of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) Chairman Neikhozo Soukhrie, reminding all allied departments to coordinate and assuring that all activities would be carried out on time.

Peren: Peren DHS kicked off the campaign at District Hospital, Peren, during which Dr. Aoyanger, District Nodal Officer (DNO), briefed on the objectives of the campaign.

He said the campaign is being intensified because diarrhoeal mortality remains high in children under five, especially those under 24 months, and the usage rate of ORS and zinc remains low.

D Robin, ADC Peren, gave a short exhortation and launched the campaign.

It was mentioned that the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign approach will focus on improving the availability and use of ORS and zinc at the community level; strengthening facilities to manage cases of dehydration; and enhancing advocacy and communication on the prevention and control of diarrhoea through an IEC campaign.

During the campaign, a set of activities will be implemented in an intensified manner for the prevention and control of deaths due to dehydration caused by diarrhoea across the district. The department aims to reach all children under five years of age in the district through medical practitioners, the mobile health team, and frontline workers such as ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Office, Peren, in convergence with allied departments, will implement activities in schools and AWCs to ensure proper hand-washing techniques, establish ORS depots at Anganwadi centres, and identify children under five years of age and those suffering from diarrhoea through the Anganwadis.

The CMO Office has appealed to every household having children under five years of age to avail themselves of the services which are provided for free during the fortnight. One can also contact their nearest health units or ASHA for more information.

Longleng: In Longleng, the campaign was launched at the CMO conference hall. The launch was attended by C Tsalimse Sangtam, EAC Headquarters, Longleng, as the special guest, who also officially launched the campaign.

In his keynote speech, Tsalimse emphasised the importance of collective action, proper sanitation, and awareness to combat diarrhoeal diseases, which remain a major public health concern, especially among young children.

He stressed the need for inter-sectoral collaboration and community involvement to ensure the success of the campaign.

Dr. Imtijungshi Aier, DPO (Reproductive and Child Health/Universal Immunisation Programme), presented the keynote address along with a short presentation detailing the operational framework and strategies to be adopted during the campaign.

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Zunheboto: The launch event in Zunheboto was held at Little Spring School in the presence of Wedie Therie, EAC Zunheboto, as the special guest.

In his address, Therie highlighted that the preparation of ORS is a simple yet powerful tool in preventing diarrhoea. He called upon students to become ambassadors for promoting proper sanitation and the correct preparation and use of ORS in their homes and communities.

He further stressed the importance of personal hygiene, early intervention, and the vital role of ORS and zinc during diarrhoeal episodes among children.

Hand-washing steps were demonstrated by Amenli, General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Zunheboto. Preparation of homemade ORS was demonstrated by Valerie Kiba, BPM, Zunheboto Sadar.

After the programme, ORS packets were distributed to students and participants as part of preventive healthcare promotion.

During the campaign period, ORS and zinc tablets will be distributed to children and mothers or caregivers affected by diarrhoea. Healthcare workers across all health units will also demonstrate the preparation of homemade ORS and raise awareness of hygiene practices and diarrhoea prevention.

Tuensang: In Tuensang, the launch event was held at the CMO conference hall, during which DPO (UIP/RCH) Dr. Waulong Phom presented a PowerPoint on the importance of four strategies for the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign.

According to an update, he further informed that ORS and zinc tablets will be made available in all health units and some selected Anganwadi centres. Distribution of ORS and zinc tablets will be done by ASHAs, but social welfare staff need to accompany them.

He also stated that cases of diarrhoea increase mainly during the summer and monsoon seasons, making it the optimum time for the launch.

Demonstrations of hand-washing techniques and preparation of ORS were done by Kherila, staff nurse, RBSK Tuensang.