Union Ministry of Health launches Nationwide Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 11 July 2016 launched a nationwide Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF).

The programme is an effort to decrease infant mortality caused by diarrhoea.

The IDCF was launched by J P Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare. It will be observed from 1 July to 23 July 2016 across the country.

As per the statistics, 13 children under the age of five die as a result of diarrhoea every hour in India.

In 2015, over 21 lakh children were administered Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc during the 15 days of the programme.

Key highlights of Diarrhoea Control Fortnight

• The programme aims at covering over 80% of children (of the 10 crore children below five years of age) affected by diarrhoea across India.

• The children will be administered ORS by the ASHA workers.

• The children will also be counselled about the benefits and the process of preparing ORS.

• Intensified community awareness campaigns on hygiene and promotion of ORS and Zinc therapy will be conducted at the state, district and village levels.

About Diarrhoea

• Diarrhoea is the condition of having at least three loose or liquid bowel movements each day.

• It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss.

• Signs of dehydration often begin with loss of the normal stretchiness of the skin and irritable behaviour, which can often progress to decreased urination, loss of skin colour, etc.

• It is often caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.

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