State-Level Dissemination Workshop on World ORS Day 2025
By raising awareness and driving grassroots action, we can defeat diarrhoea and protect our children’s future. I commend PSI India for their support to Stop Diarrhoea Campaign. Together, we are not just treating illness, we are transforming public health.”
The state-level dissemination workshop brought together more than 63 stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare experts, development partners, and frontline workers, in a collective effort to advance diarrhoea prevention and management in Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Milind Wardhan, General Manager – Child Health, NHM, presented the state’s ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign’ plan, conducted from June 16 to July 31, 2025. He emphasized that the campaign aims for zero childhood deaths due to diarrhoea by ensuring correct use of ORS and zinc, strengthening caregiver knowledge, and prioritizing underserved communities where the burden remains high.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Director General – Directorate Health & Family Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh acknowledged the importance of empowering communities to reduce preventable childhood illnesses.
A felicitation ceremony celebrated the exceptional efforts of service providers and community health workers from Lucknow who played a pivotal role in promoting ORS and zinc usage and ensuring timely case management.
Additional Director RCH, Dr. Sharda Chaudhary stressed the urgent need to strengthen community awareness about ORS as a life-saving solution and called for a mission-mode awareness drive using mass media, interpersonal communication, and diverse IEC tools.
Dr. Shalini Bhasin, President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Lucknow Chapter, advocated for ORS availability in all emergency kits, especially in public spaces.
PSI India’s Deputy Director, Samarendra Behera, emphasized that diarrhoea is entirely manageable when addressed promptly, but neglect can have serious consequences for children. Amit Kumar, Uttar Pradesh State Head – Operations, PSI India, along with Senior Program Manager Anil Kumar Dwivedi, presented PSI India’s approach under the Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi initiative. They explained how the project focuses on early detection, timely management, and improved treatment practices through capacity building of public and private healthcare providers as well as community health workers.
The workshop concluded with Dr. Milind Wardhan expressing heartfelt appreciation for all partners, health workers, and experts who continue to advance Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to eliminating child deaths due to diarrhoea.
