Intensified Diarrheal Disease Control Fortnight launched in Sonitpur district

From a Correspondent

Tezpur, June 12: In a move to combat diarrheal disease, District Health Society, Sonitpur launched a programme of Intensified Diarrheal Disease Control fortnight here at Kaklata Civil Hospital, Tezpur on Monday. While iugurating the programme, Krishan Kumar Sarma, Additiol Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur said diarrhea was the major cause of death among children under five years which is due to use of impure drinking water and lack of proper cleanliness habits like washing hands. He further appealed to all sections to participate in the programme starting from June 12 to June 24 to control diarrhea and other communicable diseases. Attending the programme, Dr. Durlov Chandra Saikia, District Nodal Officer of Intensified Diarrheal Disease Control programme said that under the scheme, 1,876 health workers would distribute 2,81,400 packets of ORS across the Sonitpur district and if any diarrhea case was detected during his/her visit, the patient would be provided 10mg elemental Zinc for 14 days. They will further demonstrate proper maintence of cleanliness and how to prepare ORS in doorsteps and under the programme, the RBSK team along with school teachers will demonstrate proper method of remaining hygienic and conduct awareness meeting on prevention and control of diarrhea. He further said that about 3,00,000 children die in India due to diarrhea. Incidence of diarrheal diseases was observed to be maximum during the summer months followed by rainy or winter months. Poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions are important risk factors for diarrhea. Parag Saikia, District Programme Mager, NHM Sonitpur, said that Intensified Diarrhea Disease fortnight had been done every year for the last five years and this fortnight covered all children under five years. One packet of ORS would be given and also training on how to remain clean, including maintaining hygienic environment.