Shillong, July 18: To create awareness on prevention and management of diarrhoea related problems for infants and children below five years, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, along with the National Health Mission and the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Khasi Hills District launched the observance of “Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight” at Ganesh Das Maternal and Child Health Hospital on Tuesday.

Addressing parents, children and school students at the programme, Meghalaya Additional Chief Secretary, (Health), P.W Ingty said that “Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight”, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was being observed with an aim to reduce child mortality caused due to diarrhea.

He also stated that the fortnight, which is being observed in the State from July 18 to 31 also sought to help improving the health condition of infants and children, apart from controlling diarrhoea.

Meanwhile Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department cum Mission Director National Health Mission, .H.M Shangpliang said that similar awareness programmes would be organized at hospitals and health centres across the state.

He informed that ORS and Zinc tablets would be distributed free of cost by ASHA workers to households during the fortnight.

He also urged the people to co-operate with the Government in its endeavour of reducing diarrhoea deaths especially children below five years of age.

The programme was also attended by Dr. D. Lyngdoh, DHS (MCH&FW) cum Joint Mission Director, National Health Mission, Dr. (Mrs.) E.A Paswet, Joint Director (MCH&FW), Dr. (Mrs.) J.B Ranee, District MCH Officer, East Khasi Hills, health officials and others.