UP Govt launches state-wide ‘Stop Diarrhea’ campaign to protect children’s health

To protect children aged zero to five years from the dangers of diarrhea, the Yogi Adityanath government has launched a comprehensive ‘Stop Diarrhea Campaign’ across Uttar Pradesh.

Running until July 31, the campaign aims to generate widespread public awareness through a variety of interactive and educational activities.

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Awareness is being promoted via mobile vans equipped with posters, banners, and audiovisual messages that highlight the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of diarrhea. These vehicles are reaching local streets and neighborhoods to engage directly with the public.

Competitions are being organized among schoolchildren to promote awareness at the grassroots level. Wall paintings and ORS-Zinc corners have been set up in public spaces, and private hospitals are actively participating in the initiative.

This year’s campaign is themed: “Prevention of Diarrhea, Cleanliness, and Self-Care with ORS.” The objective is not only to prevent diarrhea in children but also to promote the use of ORS and zinc tablets, while fostering a culture of health awareness at the community level.

To further strengthen the campaign, voluntary organizations such as Population Services International (PSI) India and Kenvue have partnered with the state health department. PSI India has launched a special awareness drive titled “Diarrhea Se Darr Nahi” to support the mission.

In the first phase, PSI India has initiated the campaign in seven districts: Firozabad, Mathura, Moradabad, Badaun, Unnao, Gonda, and Shravasti. ORS and Zinc corners have been set up at health centers, and private hospitals and clinics are being encouraged to do the same and report diarrhea cases promptly.

Meanwhile, public outreach through mobile awareness vehicles continues, along with signature campaigns, wall paintings, and information kiosks at bus stops, railway stations, and other public areas.

The message is clear: Don’t fear diarrhea—act promptly. At the first sign of diarrhea, parents are advised to give children ORS solution and zinc tablets immediately. Frontline health workers have also been trained to provide accurate information and timely guidance to families.

Dr Pinky Joval, Director of the National Health Mission, emphasized on Monday that diarrhea remains a major public health concern, especially for vulnerable populations and children under five. It continues to be a leading cause of illness and death.

According to her, prevention is the cornerstone of diarrhea management. She stated, “Key preventive measures include access to clean drinking water, improved sanitation, and proper handwashing with soap, exclusive breastfeeding, adequate nutrition, and timely vaccination.”

She further stressed that alongside these steps, administering ORS and zinc at the first signs of illness is essential for fast recovery and preventing fatalities. The campaign, therefore, aims not only to treat but also to prevent diarrhea through a combination of awareness, accessibility, and action.

Notably, the Stop Diarrhea Campaign is conducted annually across Uttar Pradesh to address the challenges of preventing, treating, and managing diarrhea. Continuing this tradition, the campaign is being implemented state-wide from June 16 to July 31 this year.

In preparation, ASHA workers compiled a detailed list of children under the age of five in each village. Families with young children were sensitized about the importance of ORS and zinc, and ORS packets were distributed to ensure a quick response during emergencies.

Dr Milind Vardhan, General Manager of the Child Health Program under the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh, emphasized that diarrhea continues to be a leading cause of death among children aged zero to five years, even though it is entirely preventable and treatable.

He explained that if a child experiences three or more loose stools in a day, it should be considered a case of diarrhea. In such situations, the child should be immediately given an ORS solution to prevent dehydration, and the family should seek medical attention at the nearest health center.

He also advised administering zinc tablets according to the child’s age and for the prescribed duration. While ORS restores lost fluids, zinc helps shorten the duration of diarrhea and strengthens the immune system. He further recommended that breastfeeding should continue during episodes of diarrhea, as mother’s milk provides essential nutrients and immunity.

Mr Mukesh Sharma, Executive Director of PSI India, highlighted the increased risk of diarrhea during the monsoon season, primarily due to contaminated water, poor hygiene, improper disposal of children’s faeces, and open defecation.

He stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene, particularly handwashing with soap and clean water after using the toilet or handling children’s stool, and before cooking or feeding children.