Port Blair: With the goal of eliminating preventable deaths caused by childhood diarrhoea, the UT Health Mission, in association with the Directorate of Health Services, on Thursday launched the State-level STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2026 at the Community Hall, Brookshabad, reaffirming its commitment to achieving ‘Zero Deaths Due to Childhood Diarrhoea’ among children below five years of age.
Inaugurating the campaign, Director of Health Services Dr. H.M. Siddaraju stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, urging parents and caregivers to ensure safe drinking water, maintain proper sanitation and hygiene, and inculcate regular handwashing habits to protect children from diarrhoeal diseases.
Ward No. 21 Councillor Shri Arubadi, the guest of honour, lauded the Health Department’s sustained efforts in controlling diarrhoeal illnesses across the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shiny Varghese, Deputy Director (Family Welfare) and Joint Secretary (RCH-II), highlighted the importance of timely administration of ORS and zinc tablets, exclusive breastfeeding, access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation and continued hygiene education to reduce diarrhoea-related illness and mortality among children.
The awareness programme featured an interactive skit, demonstrations on the six-step handwashing technique, preparation of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and the role of zinc supplementation, presented by ASHA workers, Community Health Officers and school students.
