In an effort of generating public awareness on the prevention and management of diarrhoeal diseases, particularly among children through improved hygiene and sanitation practices, the office of the District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO), East Jaintia Hills District today launched the District Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026 under the theme “Prevent diarrhoea through cleanliness and proper use of ORS” at a programme held at Ladrymbai Parking Lot (Plol Compound), East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by District Immunization Officer (DIO), East Jaintia Hills, Dr. (Mrs.) N. P. Suchiang, Medical Officer and In-Charge, Ladrymbai Urban Health and Wellness Centre, Dr. (Ms.) D. Sayoo, District Programme Manager (DPM), National Health Mission (NHM), East Jaintia Hills, Shri A. Dhar, Block Programme Manager (BPM), ), National Health Mission (NHM), Khliehriat Block, Shri Lastone Bamon, other health officials and community members.
Speaking during the programme, District Immunization Officer (DIO), East Jaintia Hills District, Dr. (Mrs.) N. P. Suchiang, informed that the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign is organized annually and that this year’s district launch was held in a market area to reach a larger section of the public. She stated that diarrhoeal diseases continue to affect people of all age groups, particularly children under five years of age and the elderly. She informed that a total of 5,990 diarrhoea cases had been reported in the district last year.
Dr. Suchiang explained that while many people seek medication when suffering from diarrhoea, the main danger is often dehydration, which can become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. She elaborated on the stages of dehydration and emphasized the importance of administering Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) at the earliest signs of dehydration. Citing a recent case, she noted that a child suffering from diarrhoea was treated with antibiotics, but the condition worsened and required hospitalization, highlighting that antibiotics alone do not necessarily stop diarrhoea and that proper rehydration is crucial.
She further stressed the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, keeping surroundings clean, and ensuring that drinking water is properly boiled before consumption.
While, referring to a recent food poisoning incident in Narwan involving around 30 individuals, Dr Suchiang said that the use of contaminated water in food preparation was suspected to be a contributing factor. She also advised that zinc tablets should be administered for 14 days as part of the management of diarrhoea in children and urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if danger signs such as severe dehydration or blood in the stool are observed. Emphasizing that dehydration can seriously affect vital organs, including the kidneys, she called upon the community to work collectively towards improving sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent diarrhoeal diseases.
With the motive of educating the participants on effective hygiene practices for preventing the spread of diarrhoeal disease in which individuals can adopt in their day to day lives, staff of Ladrymbai Urban Health and Wellness Centre (UHWC) performed a live demonstration on several proper handwashing techniques. Others who spoke during the programme include Medical Officer, In-Charge, Ladrymbai Urban Health and Wellness Centre (UHWC) Dr. (Ms.) D. Sayoo and Block Programme Manager (BPM), National Health Mission (NHM), Khliehriat Block, Shri Lastone Bamon.
