Bihar Launches ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign-2024’ in Patna

Chirag Gupta

Patna: The state level launch of the ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign-2024’ was initiated in Patna on Tuesday. This campaign will run from July 23 to September 22, extending the previous fortnight duration to two months. Six key departments, including the Health Department, will play an active role in this initiative as per the Government of India’s instructions.

Dr. Mithilesh Kumar, Civil Surgeon of Patna, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of the campaign for the healthy future of children. He emphasized that diarrhea, caused by bacteria or viruses, can be prevented with simple measures. He stressed the need for prevention through cleanliness, clean drinking water, and timely treatment.

The Assistant Director of Child Health from the State Health Society outlined the preventative measures, including exclusive breastfeeding, adequate supplementary food, and Vitamin-A for the first six months of a child’s life. The importance of clean hands, a clean environment, and rotavirus vaccination was also highlighted. For treatment, he emphasized the timely use of Zinc-ORS.

The campaign includes setting up Zinc-ORS Corners in all government hospitals with trained health workers. ASHA workers will distribute ORS packets to households with children under five. Public awareness will be a key focus, with activities such as health camps, rallies, and education programs in schools.

The State Health Society has called on other departments and organizations, including Panchayat and Municipal Corporations, to participate actively in the cleanliness and awareness activities. Schools and Anganwadi centers will also run cleanliness and health awareness programs. State officials and representatives from UNICEF and Piramal Health were present at the launch event.