Punjab Health and Family Welfare and Labour Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu launched the state level Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) campaign, targeting around 35 lakh children, at a government dispensary in village Saneta here today. Addressing the gathering he said that almost all the deaths due to diarrhea can be averted by administering the right quantity of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) and doses of zinc tablets along with adequate nutritional intake by the child. Mr. Sidhu solicited the support of public to achieve the goal Zero Death due to diarrhea in the state. He told that during the campaign 55 lakh ORS packets and 125 lakh zinc tablets will be distributed in all the houses with children 0-5 years of age. He said that ORS and zinc corners have been set up in all the government health facilities across the state and health workers will hold demonstrations on how to prepare ORS solution.During the campaign, health workers will reach every household and sensitize the people on the treatment and preventive measures to control diarrhea besides distributing the material.
He said that diarrhea which is one of the most common illness among children, can be prevented by increasing access to safe drinking water, improving sanitation and hygiene, breastfeeding for at least six months, hand-washing and appropriate nutrition. Intensified community awareness activities on the necessity of maintaining hygiene and promotion of ORS and zinc therapy for the treatment of the disease will be conducted at district and village levels during the campaign.The minister said that childhood diarrheal disease continues to be a major killer among under-five children, contributing to about 10% of under-five deaths in the country. To effectively address this with the ultimate aim of zero mortality due to diarrheal disease, Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) is being implemented from 8th to 23rd July extending up to 31st August in the state. He also released Diarrhea booklet in Punjabi for ANMs and Asha workers.Amongst present on the occasion were Harkesh Chand Sharma, Political Secretary to the minister, Dr. Jaspal Kaur, Director Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Avneet Kaur, Director Family Welfare, Nodal Officer Dr. IJS Bhatia, Civil Surgeon Mohali Dr. Manjeet Singh, Dr G.B Singh, Dr Veena Zrewal and Dr. Kuljeet Kaur etc.