Dimapur, Sep. 2 (EMN): With the goal to attain zero deaths due to diarrhoea among children, Longleng district launched an Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) at the makeshift District Hospital in Longleng town on September 1.
Speaking at the launching programme, the district community mobiliser (DCM) Henmei spoke on the activities to be implemented in an intensified manner for prevention and control of deaths due to dehydration from diarrhoea across the state, an update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Longleng, stated on Tuesday. She also spoke on advocacy and awareness campaigns on diarrhoea management, preparation of oral rehydration therapy (ORS) by Accredited Social Health Activists (Asha) and awareness generation activities on hygiene and sanitation to be carried during the fortnight programme.
Henmei said the goal of IDCF was to attain zero child death due to diarrhoea among children. She stated that the focus of IDCF was on delivery of simple proven interventions that have large impact towards control of childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality.
She also spoke on the activities to be carried out at the community, village, and health facility levels and the target beneficiaries. She further demonstrated on preparation of ORS and administering of Zinc tablets.
The report also stated that IDCF was also launched in all the health units in the district. Prior to the launching of IDCF, ORS and Zinc tablets were distributed to all the health units.
Ashas in all the blocks and villages have been directed to go for home visit during the two-week IDCF programme which would culminate on September 14. All the health units are further directed to set up ORS and Zinc corners for treatment of diarrhoea in their respective health units.
After the launching programme at the district headquarters, DCM, media officer and Asha co-ordinators visited Yongam, Bhumnyu, Orangkong and Oukshok villages to supervise and monitor the activities.
Meanwhile, Asha of Phek Sadar were briefed on their roles for the upcoming IDCF programme, which would be observed from September 1 to the 14th.
Briefing the Ashas during its monthly review meeting held on September 1 at the CMO, Phek, conference hall, Dr. Kolhitso Khalo, DPO RCH/UIP, Phek, directed them to visit houses of those children who are below 5 years and identify diarrhoea cases and refer to ANM/ health facilities. Khalo also gave an awareness on the importance of ORS and Zinc during the home visits.
During the meeting, registers and activities were reviewed and discussed.
The home-base new born care (HBNC) activities included visit to new born households seven times within 42 days by the Ashas. Ashas were further instructed to identify pregnant women and refer for ANC.
