Agartala, June 23: With the aim of preventing diarrhoeal diseases during the monsoon season and ensuring the health and well-being of children, the district-level “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026” was formally launched on Tuesday at the Community Hall of Ward No. 39 under the Agartala Municipal Corporation.The programme was inaugurated by Dipak Majumder, Mayor of the Agartala Municipal Corporation. Among those present were Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Corporator Alok Roy, officials of the Health Department, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, local residents, and students of A.D. Nagar Higher Secondary School.
Organized by the National Health Mission and the Health Department, the campaign aims to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea during the monsoon, raise awareness about the importance of ORS and zinc supplementation for children, and promote safe drinking water and proper sanitation practices.Addressing the gathering, Mayor Dipak Majumder said, “Diarrhoea is a preventable disease. Through awareness, cleanliness, and timely treatment, we can protect children from this illness. During the monsoon season, the use of safe drinking water and washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet are extremely important.”
He further stated, “Children are our future, and ensuring their good health is a collective responsibility. The Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026 is not merely a government programme; it is a social movement. This initiative will increase awareness about the use of ORS and zinc in every household and help reduce diarrhoea-related mortality among children.”
Calling for community participation, he added, “Let us all work together to maintain a clean environment, follow proper hygiene practices, and ensure a healthy and safe future for our children. Agartala Municipal Corporation will extend full cooperation to the Health Department in spreading public awareness.”The Mayor also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and healthcare personnel, whose commitment plays a crucial role in the success of such public health initiatives.During the programme, students and parents were educated about maintaining hygiene, developing proper handwashing habits, and using safe drinking water. As part of the campaign, families with children aged 0–5 years will receive two ORS packets and a 14-day course of zinc tablets.
In addition, schools will conduct demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques, spread messages on cleanliness through morning assemblies, and establish ORS-Zinc corners in Anganwadi centres. Anganwadi workers will also carry out door-to-door awareness campaigns in their respective areas.
The Health Department emphasized that the programme focuses on enhancing public awareness and ensuring community participation through the coordinated efforts of various government departments.
It may be noted that the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign is observed annually across the country during the monsoon season to prevent diarrhoeal diseases. As part of this nationwide initiative, extensive awareness programmes are being undertaken across Tripura.