: Makers of ORSL (Kenvue), who have also launched Ready-to-Drink ORS W.H.O. approved formula recently, in partnership with Population Services International India (PSI India), has launched a transformative public health initiative, “Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi”. Aimed to reach about 5 million children over the next two+ years, the initiative will focus on reducing diarrhoea related mortality and improving health outcomes in 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The initiative will complement the efforts of Government’s “Stop diarrhea campaign’, which aims to achieve zero child deaths due to diarrhea in India.
As part of “Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi” initiative, Kenvue (makers of ORSL) and PSI India will collaborate with state government authorities and local health officials for an integrated Diarrhoea management initiative covering both preventive and curative aspects with special focus on children of age 0-5 years. The public health initiative will encompass-
- Enhancing awareness and behaviour change in the community towards diarrhoea management
- Supporting capability building of community healthcare workers (ASHAs), service providers and caregivers, who play a critical role in managing this condition
- Ensuring early detection of diarrhoeal cases and promoting high coverage and management of the cases by distribution of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Zinc in children as well as holistic hydration solutions
The initiative will be rolled out in Badaun, Mathura, Unnao, Moradabad, Gonda, Shrawasti and Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Supaul, Darbhanga, and Purnia in Bihar.
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) recommended by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) is the gold standard in the treatment of diarrhea, yet it remains under-prescribed. As per National Family Health Survey-5 2019-21), ORS coverage amongst children under 5 years, while improving continues to be low (60.6%). In Uttar Pradesh, nearly 50% children under 5 years with Diarrhoea did not receive oral rehydration salts (ORS) in 2 weeks preceding the survey (NFHS-5) highlighting the critical need for comprehensive diarrheal management practices.
Speaking about the initiative, Manish Anandani, Managing Director, India, Kenvue said, “ORSL, our iconic electrolyte brand has been advancing science around FE&E (Fluid, Electrolytes and Energy) with advanced hydration formulations. With the recent launch of Ready-to-Drink ORS-W.H.O. approved formula, we are committed to play our part in effective management of diarrhoea. With an aim to complement Government’s efforts, we are proud to launch ‘Diarrhea Se Darr Nahi’ initiative to reach around 5 million children in districts with high diarrheal cases. The public health initiative aims to create meaningful impact on the health of communities especially vulnerable children below 5 years by improving coverage of W.H.O ORS, enhancing capability building of community workers and driving partnerships with healthcare ecosystem.”
Commenting on efforts to combat diarrhea, Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Executive Director, PSI India, said, ” The Government’s efforts both at Centre and state in diarrhoea prevention, including promoting awareness around good hygiene practices, nutritious diets, and ORS, are commendable. PSI India, as a trusted partner of the National Health Mission, Government of India and State Governments, stands committed in increasing the coverage of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and preventing diarrhoeal deaths in India’s journey towards universal health coverage. We would like to thank the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and Kenvue in advancing preventive and curative diarrhoea measures across 10 critical districts across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.”
As a part of multi-year “Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi” initiative, Kenvue is taking a leadership role in tackling the important issue of diarrhoea.