Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department, Leh successfully launched the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) to be observed from June 17 to 30.

Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) consists of a set of activities to be implemented in an intensified manner for the prevention and control of deaths among children due to dehydration from diarrhoea across all States & UTs. These activities mainly include- the intensification of advocacy & awareness generation activities for diarrhea management, strengthening service provision for diarrhoea case management, the establishment of ORS-Zinc corners at all Health facilities, distribution of ORS by ASHA in households with under-five children, and awareness generation activities for hygiene and sanitation.

The chief guest of the programme, Senior Regional Director, H&FW highlighted the importance of the IDCF, and the pivotal and crucial roles played by ASHAs and ANMs in the prevention of diarrheal cases. She spoke on the steps to undertake the IDCF activities, and target beneficiaries who are the mothers and children (below the age of 5 years). 

She also spoke in detail about achieving the goals of the IDCF program.

Consultant, NHM RCH, Dr. Rinchen Angmo shared measures for control of diarrhoea which is preventable. She spoke on the importance of awareness and distribution of ORS and Zinc tablets, and hand washing demonstrations during Village Health, Nutrition & Sanitation (VHNSs) gatherings.

District Immunization Officer, Dr. Diskit Dolma expressed gratitude to the guests for the successful launch of IDCF. She advised people to be alert during the monsoon season and stressed ASHA's role and responsibility to look after all the children including non-locals.

Dr. Shaziya Wafai also inaugurated the facility-level-based ORS Zinc Corner at SNM Hospital Leh. ORS and Zinc corners are established at all Health Centers in the Leh district and are available all free of cost.

Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr Nurzin Angmo; Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr Manzoor-ul-Haq; District Health Officer, Dr Skarma Yountan; State National Health Mission (NHM) Reproductive Chile Health (RCH) Consultant, Dr Rinchen Angmo, officials of Health Department and ASHA workers of Leh town were also present.

Photo Caption: During the launch of Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight in Leh.