Odisha Launches State-Wide “Stop Diarrhoea” Campaign to Combat Monsoon Diseases

Bhubaneswar: In a determined bid to curb the rise of waterborne illnesses during the monsoon season, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has launched a state-wide campaign titled “Stop Diarrhoea.” The initiative, which began on Monday and will continue until July 31, aims to raise awareness on hygiene practices and strengthen diarrhoea prevention and treatment efforts across the state.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling inaugurated the campaign at the Bhuban Community Health Centre in Dhenkanal district. Speaking at the event, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. “Protecting people’s health, especially during the vulnerable monsoon months, remains a top priority,” he said.

As part of the campaign, ORS packets, zinc tablets, and essential medicines have been stocked in all Anganwadi centres, primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and hospitals. Health workers have undergone training to detect and manage diarrhoeal cases efficiently and will conduct door-to-door visits to distribute preventive materials and offer health guidance.

During the launch ceremony, the Minister personally distributed ORS and zinc tablets to women from the local community. The event was attended by Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pani, local MLAs, and senior district officials who underscored the importance of public awareness and timely treatment.

To support the outreach, the Health Department has released an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) magazine and informative leaflets on diarrhoea prevention and child health protection. District health teams were also briefed through video conferencing on the operational aspects of the campaign, including the appropriate use of ORS and zinc for children aged 0–5 years.

Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and consult healthcare providers at the earliest sign of symptoms. The campaign is expected to play a vital role in reducing diarrhoea-related complications and fatalities during the rainy season.