Launch of ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2025 in Peren district.
DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): In a concerted effort to curb child mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases, the ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2025’ was officially launched across several districts of Nagaland on June 16, under the theme “Stop Diarrhoea Through Hygiene and ORS.”
The campaign is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at ensuring greater access to Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc, particularly among children under five years of age.
The launch events were held simultaneously in Kohima, Longleng, Peren, and Zunheboto, with participation from district administrations, health officials, and various stakeholders from allied departments.
In Kohima, the campaign was launched by SDO (C) Rorheu Peseyie at a programme organised by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and District Health Society, NHM. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, DPO (RMNCAH+N), highlighted that diarrhoea continues to be a major health concern among children under five, though a combination of ORS and Zinc has helped reduce deaths by over 50 percent. The two-month campaign will focus on prevention, protection, and treatment, with ORS and Zinc distributed across health units and Anganwadi centres.
A PowerPoint presentation on malaria elimination was also delivered by Dr Kevilhulie Meyase, DVBO, who reported that some areas in the district have recorded zero malaria cases since 2021. He stressed the need for strengthening surveillance and community involvement.
The programme was chaired by Dr Imchatoshi, Dy. CMO, while KMC Chairman Neikhozo Soukhrie was also in attendance. A vote of thanks was proposed by Avikali Jakhalu, DPM (NHM).
In Longleng, the campaign was launched at the CMO Conference Hall by EAC Headquarters, C. Tsalimse Sangtam, who called for inter-sectoral collaboration and community awareness to combat diarrhoeal diseases. The event was chaired by Nungai BAC, while Dr. Imtijungshi Aier, DPO (RCH/UIP), delivered the keynote address and outlined strategies for the campaign’s implementation in the district.
In Peren, Additional Deputy Commissioner D. Robin launched the campaign at District Hospital, with Dr Aoyanger, DNO, highlighting the urgency of intensifying efforts due to continued high diarrhoeal mortality among children under 24 months. The campaign in Peren will be implemented through convergence with schools, Anganwadi Centres, ASHAs, and health teams. ORS and Zinc will be distributed to all eligible households, and awareness campaigns on hand hygiene will be conducted.
A handwashing demonstration was presented by Staff Nurse Namgonglile, while John Sharma, Pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church, invoked blessings at the event. The programme was chaired by Dr. Avika P. Jimo.
In Zunheboto, the District Health Society and NHM launched the campaign at Little Spring School, with EAC Wedie Therie as the special guest. In his address, he underscored the simplicity and life-saving potential of ORS, noting that diarrhoea accounts for around 5 percent of child mortality in India. Therie urged students to become sanitation ambassadors in their homes and communities. ORS packets were distributed to participants as part of preventive outreach.
Health officials from all districts have appealed to the public, particularly families with children under five, to avail free health services, including ORS and Zinc packets, during the campaign period from June 16 to July 31. The campaign will be carried out through coordinated efforts involving medical practitioners, frontline workers, and allied departments.
