Special drive to stop child mortality rate would be run in the State from July 11; roadmap of the special drive to be launched next month was finalized in a meeting of National Health Mission (NHM) on Thursday that was presided by NHM Director Kiran Gopal.
The meeting was also attended by another NHM director Dr BN Chouhan, Deputy Director Child Health Dr Rajshri Bajaj besides officer of different departments and representatives of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
During the drive intensive diarrhea control program would be run in that parents would be informed by reaching homes. Diarrhea is one of the major causes of child deaths among the age group of 0 to 5 years in the state. It could be avoided by taking precautions. To bring awareness about diarrhea among the people of state an intensive diarrhea control fortnight would be organized from July 11 to 21.
During the diarrhea control fortnight distribution of ORS and Zinc would be ensured right from Village Health Centers to all hospitals and Anganwadis. For this special ORS and Zinc corners would be established at these places.
At the village level Asha and NNM would distribute ORS and Zinc during home visits besides people would be taught about how to use these in time of need. In addition to bring awareness essay writings and other programs would also be conducted in schools.
The aim of the NHM is bring down the child mortality rate for that diarrhea is major reason and it could be controlled by proper diet and ORS and Zinc supplementation.
Help of other departments including education, social justice, women and child development, schedule case and schedule tribe besides Indian Medical Association, UNICEF and other NGOs would also be taken in the drive. For this it has been suggested to organize special Gram sabhas.