Karnal, June 16: Civil Surgeon Dr. Poonam Chaudhary launched the 'Dast Roko Abhiyan' (Diarrhea Prevention Campaign) on Tuesday at the District Civil Hospital's Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC). Speaking on the occasion, the Civil Surgeon stated that reducing child mortality is a top priority for both the central and state governments. Childhood diarrhea remains a major public health concern in India, accounting for approximately 4.8 percent of deaths among children under the age of five. 
Most of these deaths can be prevented through early detection and timely management of dehydration. The use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), zinc supplementation, and continued adequate nutrition during episodes of diarrhea can significantly reduce mortality rates and improve child health outcomes. To effectively address this issue, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has rebranded its nationwide initiative as the 'Dast Roko Abhiyan,' which will be observed from June 16 to July 31, 2026. The slogan for this campaign is "Diarrhea Prevention: Take Care through Hygiene and ORS."
She noted that diarrhea-related deaths typically occur during the summer and monsoon months, with children from low socio-economic backgrounds being the most affected. Diarrhea is defined as the passing of loose or liquid stools three or more times a day, or more frequently than is normal for the individual.
She explained that the campaign would align with the seasonal surge in diarrhea cases. Key interventions include promoting exclusive breastfeeding, rotavirus vaccination, hand hygiene, provision of safe water, distribution of ORS and zinc, and the establishment of ORS-Zinc corners at all health facilities and Anganwadi centers. She advised that to prevent diarrhea, one should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, ensure cleanliness in the child's surroundings, use safe drinking water, always use a toilet, exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months, and provide nutritious food in appropriate quantities thereafter. Additionally, children must receive the Rotavirus vaccine and measles vaccination provided by the Health Department, as well as timely Vitamin A doses; information regarding these can be obtained from the nearest health center, ANM, or ASHA worker. It is also crucial to wash hands with soap after using the toilet, before cooking or eating, after handling garbage or animals, after cleaning up a child's stool, and before feeding a child.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Poonam Chaudhary stated that one should immediately consult a doctor if any of the following danger signs associated with diarrhea appear: the child refusing to breastfeed, vomiting everything consumed, severe dehydration due to frequent loose stools, the child appearing critically ill, blood in the stool, lethargy or unconsciousness, fever, rapid or difficult breathing, yellowing of palms and soles, or seizures. In such situations, the child should be taken to the nearest health center immediately for medical consultation. Do not allow diarrhea to progress to dehydration; start using ORS and Zinc immediately.
Dr. Shashi Garg, Deputy Civil Surgeon (Immunization and Child Health), explained that under this program, ORS packets and Zinc tablets will be distributed door-to-door. ASHA/USHA workers will demonstrate how to prepare ORS and convey important messages to mothers and families, utilizing the MCP card as a counseling tool. Each ASHA/USHA will distribute two ORS packets and 14 zinc tablets to all children under the age of five as a pre-positioning measure.