Chandigarh, July 15:
In a move to safeguard the health of young children in the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, on Tuesday launched the “STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2025.” This two-month-long, aggressive initiative directly confronts childhood diarrhoea, a leading yet entirely preventable cause of mortality among children under five. The Minister also unveiled awareness posters on this occasion.
Dr Balbir Singh emphasized, “Diarrhoea is a major cause of child deaths —each one a tragic and avoidable loss. This campaign is our pledge to protect every child with awareness, prevention, and timely treatment.”
Dr Balbir Singh said that the Health Department will adopt a Prevent-Protect-Treat (PPT) strategy, targeting high-risk monsoon months. The state will deploy door-to-door ORS-Zinc kit distribution through ASHAs, besides, ORS-Zinc Corners will be established at all health institutions and Anganwadis, and health workers’ skills will be enhanced to manage cases effectively. “No child should die from a treatable condition. We are ensuring ORS, Zinc, IV fluids, and antibiotics are available at every health facility,” he added.
Underlining the need of awareness Dr Balbir Singh said that this campaign prioritizes community mobilization for handwashing, safe drinking water, exclusive breastfeeding, sanitation, and immunization. “Diarrhoea is preventable—clean hands, clean water, and timely care can save lives,” urged the Health Minister. He called for the participation of Panchayati Raj leaders, SHGs, teachers, and parents to champion the cause.
The Minister said that Punjab has been fostering inter-departmental collaboration with Education, WCD, Water & Sanitation, and Rural Development to address diarrhoea’s root causes. “This is not just a health issue—it’s a battle for Punjab’s future. Together, we will break the chain of infection,” asserted Dr Balbir Singh.
The Health Minister made an appeal to keep the surroundings clean, use safe water, and act fast if diarrhoea strikes—start ORS-Zinc immediately and seek medical help.” He also advocated drinking local drinks such as lemonade (shakanji) as intake of liquids is essential for hydration during the diarrhoea.
Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the National Rabies Control Programme with Peedu (Animal Welfare NGO), located in SAS Nagar, was also signed to facilitate coordinated efforts towards the preparation of the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination by 2030. The initiative involves the engagement of various stakeholders, along with training of health staff and counseling sessions at Anti-Rabies Clinics in District Mohali, with the scope for future expansion across the State.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Director NHM Dr Balwinder Kaur, Consultant JSSK Dr Meenu Lakhanpal, SPO MCH Dr Harpreet Kaur, SPO NRCP Dr Arshdeep Kaur, MO MCH Dr Harsimrat Kaur, APO MCH Dr Diksha Sharma and SA MCH Barun Gupta were also present.
