The State Health Society, National Health Mission (NHM), Manipur, in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur, today launched the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026 at Classic Hotel, North AOC, Imphal West, with a renewed focus on reducing the burden of diarrhoeal diseases among children through preventive healthcare measures and public awareness.
The campaign aims to strengthen community awareness on the prevention and management of diarrhoea, one of the leading causes of illness and mortality among young children. The initiative seeks to promote improved sanitation, safe drinking water, proper hygiene practices, and timely treatment to prevent complications arising from diarrhoeal diseases.
Launching the campaign, Dr. N. Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Health Services, Government of Manipur, highlighted the importance of collective community participation in combating diarrhoeal diseases. He stressed that awareness at the grassroots level, coupled with simple yet effective interventions, can significantly reduce cases of severe illness and death among children.
Dr. Hemantakumar underscored the critical role of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation in the treatment and management of diarrhoea. He also called upon families and communities to ensure access to safe drinking water, maintain proper sanitation, and adopt good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, to prevent the spread of infections.
He noted that the success of the campaign would depend on coordinated efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including the health, education and social welfare departments, as well as community-based organisations and frontline healthcare workers. Awareness activities, distribution of ORS packets and zinc tablets, and health education programmes are expected to be carried out across the state during the campaign period.
The Stop Diarrhoea Campaign forms part of the Government of India’s broader public health strategy to reduce child morbidity and mortality caused by preventable diarrhoeal diseases. Through intensified outreach and community engagement, the campaign seeks to ensure that parents and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect children from diarrhoea and its potentially life-threatening consequences.
Health officials expressed confidence that the campaign would contribute significantly to improving child health outcomes in the state while reinforcing the importance of hygiene, sanitation and preventive healthcare practices among the public.
