The Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) has been launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in order to intensify efforts to reduce child mortality from diarrhea. The Ministry has made it a national priority to bring health outcomes among children to an equitable level with the rest of the world. Through this initiative, the Ministry will mobilize health workers, state governments and other stakeholders to prioritize investment in controlling diarrhea, one of the most common childhood diseases. Its goal is to create mass awareness about the most effective and low-cost diarrhea treatment, a combination of oral rehydration salt solution (ORS) and zinc tablets.
Almost 12 crore less than 5 children will be covered during the program nationwide. Almost all deaths due to diarrhea can be prevented by the prevention and treatment of dehydration through the use of ORS (oral rehydration solution), administration of Zinc tablets together with adequate nutritional intake by the child. Diarrhea can be prevented with drinking water, sanitation, proper lactation / nutrition, and handwashing.
During the fortnight, intensified community awareness campaigns on hygiene and promotion of ORS and Zinc therapy will be conducted at state, district and village levels.
The ASHA worker would undertake the distribution of ORS packet to households with children under the age of five in their village. ORS-Zinc Corners will be installed in health facilities and other non-health facilities such as schools and Anganwadi centres. Front line workers will demonstrate the preparation of ORS, along with advice on dieting and hygiene and sanitation. Activities are also being supported by other ministries of the Government of India, especially Education, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Women and Child Development and Water and Sanitation.
India has realized impressive gains in child survival over the last two decades. There has been a consistent decline in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR). Increased access to immunization and child healthcare services during this period have greatly contributed to this decline. Yet, an estimated 1.1 million children die each year in India, including approximately 1.1 lakh deaths due to diarrhoea.
A number of preventive and promotional interventions are being implemented, such as vitamin A supplementation, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and adequate complementary feeding, as well as capacity building and delivery Of staff for the treatment of childhood diarrhea in all governments Health institutions. In addition to this, the introduction of the Rotavirus vaccine under IPU will also help reduce mortality from diarrhea due to rotavirus disease.
