 Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 30: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu observed the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) 2026 through a series of dedicated health awareness and education sessions conducted by the Department of Community Medicine. Organized under the visionary guidance of Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, these initiatives aimed to educate the public on the prevention and control of diarrhoea, with special emphasis on the critical role of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation in its effective management.
The awareness drive was conducted across multiple venues, including Rakhjhang Anganwadi Centre, NTPHC Sangwal, and the AYUSH Block of AIIMS Jammu, to ensure maximum outreach among local community members and hospital visitors.
The programme was led by a dedicated team from the Department of Community Medicine, comprising faculty members, senior residents, junior residents, and interns, in collaboration with the District Health Authority, Samba. During the sessions, healthcare professionals engaged participants in interactive discussions on the causes of diarrhoea and highlighted the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, safe drinking water, and proper sanitation practices to reduce the risk of infection.
A key focus of the IDCF observance was empowering caregivers with practical knowledge and essential life-saving skills. The team provided live, step-by-step demonstrations on the correct preparation of both commercial and homemade ORS to ensure that children receive adequate hydration during diarrhoeal episodes. Educational pamphlets, ORS packets, and zinc supplements were also distributed to facilitate timely and appropriate management of diarrhoea at the community level.
The sessions further emphasized the early recognition of dehydration, appropriate home management, and the importance of seeking timely medical care whenever necessary. Through direct interaction and community engagement, the initiative successfully equipped participants with practical knowledge to prevent diarrhoeal diseases and promote healthier practices within their families and communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, stated, "Preventive healthcare begins with awareness and community participation. Simple yet evidence-based interventions such as maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring safe drinking water, and the timely use of ORS and zinc can significantly reduce illness and prevent avoidable deaths due to diarrhoeal diseases, particularly among children. AIIMS Jammu remains committed to strengthening community outreach and promoting preventive healthcare through sustained public health awareness initiatives." |
