Attendees during the launching of ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026’ at CMO Conference Hall, Longleng on June 16. (Photo Courtesy: CMO Longleng)
Stop Diarrhoea Campaign launched across Nagaland
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Zunheboto | June 16
The Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026, under the theme "Stop Diarrhoea Through Hygiene and ORS," was launched across several districts of Nagaland on June 16, marking the beginning of a statewide effort to reduce diarrhoea-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among children under five years of age.
The campaign, which will run until July 31, focuses on promoting hygiene practices, the use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc supplementation, strengthening healthcare services, and creating widespread awareness on diarrhoea prevention and management.
District administrations, health officials, community leaders, ASHAs, and other stakeholders emphasised the importance of community participation, especially during the monsoon season when diarrhoeal diseases are more prevalent.
Zunheboto
Addressing the district-level launch event as Guest of Honour at the DC Conference Hall, Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto Dharam Raj stressed the need for greater public awareness and education to combat diseases.
He urged the public to maintain proper hygiene, consume properly cooked food, avoid feeding unsafe food to children, and use safe drinking water and purification methods whenever necessary.
DC Raj noted that diarrhoea can result from factors such as food contamination and unsafe water, and said prevention through education and precaution remains the most effective solution.
Highlighting the importance of Zinc tablets, he encouraged healthcare workers and community leaders to spread awareness among the public.
“Remedies lie in our kitchens to cure and prevent diarrhoea; it is just that people are not aware of them,” he added.
Stating that education is key to the success of any public health campaign, Raj expressed hope that the initiative would help reduce diarrhoea-related illnesses and save lives across the district.
Dr Heto Swu, DPO (RCH & UIP), meanwhile, highlighted the importance of timely treatment of diarrhoea, particularly among children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to severe complications.
“Diarrhoea is a preventable and treatable condition. Even homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) can play a crucial role in preventing dehydration and saving lives,” he said.
He further outlined the campaign's objectives, including ensuring adequate coverage of children suffering from diarrhoea, promoting preventive measures and awareness, strengthening healthcare workers' capacities, and increasing public awareness on the use of ORS, Zinc supplementation, and proper hand hygiene.
Longleng
In Longleng, the campaign was launched at the CMO Conference Hall by DC W Manpai Phom, who noted that the campaign aims to prevent diarrhoeal diseases among children through increased awareness, a better understanding of preventive measures, and active community participation.
He emphasised coordinated efforts among line departments, civil society organizations, ASHA workers, and educational institutions, particularly during the monsoon season.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Imtijungshi Aier, DPO (RCH & UIP), highlighted the objectives and significance of the campaign. Meanwhile, YB Angam, President of the Phom Peoples Council, encouraged the Health Department to utilize church and community platforms to spread awareness on diarrhoea prevention and the importance of ORS and Zinc supplementation.
Phek
The campaign was launched in Phek by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Chitale Hiese.
Dr Khriekuolie Liezietsu, DPO RMNCH+A, stated that the initiative aims to achieve zero child deaths due to diarrhoea through the promotion of hygiene practices and increased use of ORS and Zinc among children under 5 years of age.
He informed that the campaign is being implemented in two phases—a preparatory phase from June 1 to 15 and an implementation phase from June 16 to July 31.
Key strategies include household distribution of ORS and Zinc, strengthening health facilities, intensive social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) activities, and greater stakeholder convergence. Special focus will be given to high-risk and hard-to-reach areas.
Wokha
Launching the district-level campaign at the Conference Hall of the CMO Office, DC K Mhathung Tsanglao noted that it was an important Government of India initiative aimed at preventing diarrhoea-related deaths among children.
He called upon Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to actively promote the importance of ORS and Zinc within communities and commended their dedication to public health services.
CMO Dr Thungchangbemo Ezung highlighted the dangers of dehydration caused by diarrhoea, particularly among children, and urged health workers to conduct home visits, distribute ORS and Zinc, establish ORS-Zinc corners at health facilities, and organize awareness programmes during the campaign period.zA practical demonstration on ORS preparation was conducted by Renkhono, ASHA, as part of the launch programme.
