The Dharwad district administration in Karnataka has launched the ‘Severe Diarrhoea Elimination Campaign – 2025’, in order to prevent life-threatening dehydration caused by diarrhoea in children below the age of five years.
The campaign will run untill July 31, 2025, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Divya Prabhu G.R.J. said during its launch at the District Hospital in Dharwad.
The campaign will be held in all health centres, sub-centres, and hospitals of the district. ASHA and other health workers will also be conducting awareness programmes in schools and Anganwadi centres.
The DC stated that diarrhoea can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration in children, which can be fatal. She emphasised that this can be prevented by administering the correct dosage of ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) and Zinc tablets. The aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of child fatalities due to severe diarrhoea to zero.
“When a child suffers from diarrhoea, ORS and Zinc should be administered promptly to avoid dehydration. Parents are encouraged to visit the nearest health centre to avail free treatment,’‘ she said.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhuvanesh Patil said that mothers should take special care of children suffering from diarrhoea, and urged them not to stop breastfeeding during that time, as doing so may increase the risk of dehydration.
District Health and Family Welfare Officer S.M. Honakeri informed that there are 2,07,837 children below the age of five in the district. The campaign aims to raise awareness and prevent diarrhoea among these children. He said that this can be achieved through maintaining cleanliness, washing hands properly, and ensuring hygiene during food preparation.
District Surgeon Sangappa Gabi emphasised that parents should bring their children to the hospital promptly so that they can receive appropriate treatment and avoid life-threatening situations.
Resource persons T.A. Shepur, Dr. Varsha, and Dr. Megha delivered lectures on diarrhoea prevention, dangerous symptoms, and the precautions mothers must take to avoid dehydration in children.
District RCH Officer Sujata Hasavimath and others were present, according to a release.
Published – June 20, 2025 08:15 pm IST
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