Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024, on June 24. He was joined by Smt. Anupriya Patel and Shri Jadhav Patraprao Ganpatrao, Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare. The dignitaries also released IEC materials like logo, posters, radio spots and audio visuals for the campaign and distributed oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc tablets to children on the occasion.
The goal behind the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 is to attain zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea. While the existing diarrhoea strategy entailed a 2-week campaign with pre-positioning of ORS to under-5 children and limited IEC, the new strategy involves a 2-month long campaign with pre-positioning of 2 ORS packets and zinc as a co-packaging to under-5 children. It will also involve extensive IEC through different platforms and collaboration across multiple sectors, including health, water and sanitation, education, and rural development.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri J P Nadda said that “there is a unique relationship between Mission Indradhanush, Rotavirus vaccine and this STOP Diarrhoea Campaign as all were amongst the first initiatives launched during my earlier tenure as the Health Minister”. He said various initiatives taken by the Union Government has cumulatively helped in reducing childhood mortality due to diarrhoea. He highlighted that in 2014, India was the first country to introduce the Rotavirus vaccine. Similarly, the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and expansion of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network has significantly contributed to the reduction of diarrhoea cases and mortality in the country.
The Union Health Minister also emphasized on the importance of sensitizing health workers along with enhancing capacity building efforts to strengthen diarrhoea management effort in India. Expressing his appreciation for the preparedness level of the states, Shri J P Nadda further encouraged them to enhance awareness among the masses.
To tackle the persistent issue of childhood diarrhoea and strive for zero child deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has rebranded its long-standing Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) as the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign. This initiative, which began in 2014, focuses on enhancing the Prevent, Protect, and Treat (PPT) strategy and increasing the use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc. The campaign’s 2024 slogan, “Diarrhoea ki Roktham, Safai aur ORS se rakhen apna dhyaan” highlights the significance of prevention, cleanliness, and appropriate treatment.
The STOP Diarrhoea Campaign will be implemented in two phases: the Preparatory Phase from 14th to 30th June 2024, and the Campaign Phase from 1st July to 31st August 2024. Key activities during this period include the distribution of ORS and Zinc co-packages by ASHA workers to households with children under five, setting up ORS-Zinc corners at health facilities and Anganwadi centers, and intensifying advocacy and awareness efforts for effective diarrhoea management. Additionally, the campaign will strengthen service provision for diarrhoea case management to ensure comprehensive care and prevention.
These focus areas aim to create a holistic approach to managing and preventing diarrhoea, ultimately reducing child mortality and improving overall public health. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is working closely with various line ministries such as Drinking Water and Sanitation, Women and Child Development, School Education, Rural Development, and Urban Development. This multi-sectoral approach ensures better convergence and implementation of the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign, aiming for a comprehensive and impactful program to reduce child mortality and improve public health.
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