JP Nadda Launches ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2024’ to Save Children’s Lives
New Delhi, June 24: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda announced that the government’s efforts have helped reduce childhood deaths due to diarrhoea. He spoke at the launch of the ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2024’ in Delhi.
Key Initiatives
Nadda highlighted the connection between Mission Indradhanush, the Rotavirus vaccine, and the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign. He mentioned that India was the first country to introduce the Rotavirus vaccine in 2014. Other initiatives like the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Ayushman Arogya Mandir network have also helped reduce diarrhoea cases.
Importance of Health Workers
Nadda emphasized the need to train health workers and increase their capacity to manage diarrhoea. He praised the states’ preparedness and encouraged them to raise awareness among the public. He expressed confidence that healthcare workers could replicate the success of the COVID-19 vaccination drive during the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign.
Support from Other Ministers
Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel and Jadhav Patraprao Ganpatrao also attended the event. They released materials like logos, posters, and radio spots for the campaign and distributed oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc tablets to children.
Statements from Officials
Jadhav Prataprao stressed the importance of preventing diarrhoea and urged officials to focus on cleanliness. Anupriya Patel called for increased efforts to prevent childhood deaths due to diarrhoea. Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, and Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, also spoke about the campaign’s goals and strategies.
Campaign Details
The STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 aims to achieve zero child deaths from diarrhoea. The campaign will run in two phases: the Preparatory Phase from June 14 to June 30, 2024, and the Campaign Phase from July 1 to August 31, 2024. Key activities include distributing ORS and zinc co-packages, setting up ORS-Zinc corners, and increasing advocacy and awareness efforts.
Multi-Sectoral Approach
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is collaborating with various ministries to ensure a comprehensive approach to reducing child mortality and improving public health.
