SHILLONG: Taking precautionary measures to prevent deaths due to diarrhoea , which have been occurring frequently in the state for quite some time, the state government on Tuesday launched the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) with a mission to control diarrhoea and diarrhea related illnesses among children less than five years of age.
The two-week dedicated programme is an initiative launched by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently with an aim to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea. The state is observing the IDCF from July 18-31.
HM Shangpliang, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department cum Mission Director, National Health Mission addressed the gathering of parents mostly from rural areas at Ganesh Das Maternal and Child Health Hospital.
He said, “Government is aware of diarrhoea deaths which have been happening frequently in our state for quite some time. This is an awareness programme to sensitize people on the need to control diarrhoea.”
“Diarrhoea deaths occur due to ignorance, lack of facilities in health centers and medicines,” he added.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, P.W. Ingty said that the awareness on IDCF assumed significance to ensure the control and reduction in child mortality rate.
“Diarrhoea is responsible for many deaths among children. Control of disease is not enough but proper nutrition should also be provided as follow up,” he added.
Meanwhile, E. A. Pasweth, Joint director (MCH & FW), state Nodal Officer-Child Health highlighted the effective and low-cost diarrhoea treatment which included a combination of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution and Zinc tablets.
She urged the people to maintain proper sanitation, to use toilets to prevent the spread of the disease and to drink boiled water.