Lucknow, July 30, 2025 – Yesterday, Uttar Pradesh marked World ORS Day with a powerful workshop aimed at tackling childhood diarrhoea. The state’s Health Department, teaming up with PSI India and Kenvue, hosted the “Saving Lives from Diarrhoea” workshop as part of the ongoing “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign.” The event, held in Lucknow, brought together health workers, community leaders, and parents to spread the word about Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and its life-saving potential.
Diarrhoea remains a major concern for young children, especially those under five. It’s one of the leading causes of child deaths in India, often due to dehydration. The workshop focused on teaching simple, effective ways to prevent and treat this condition. “Our goal is zero child deaths from diarrhoea,” said a senior official from the UP Health Department. “ORS is a game-changer—it’s cheap, easy to use, and can save lives when given in time.”
The event kicked off with a lively session on how ORS works. Doctors explained that ORS, a mix of clean water, sugar, and salt, helps replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhoea. When given early, it can stop dehydration in its tracks. Health workers demonstrated how to prepare ORS correctly, stressing the importance of using clean water and following packet instructions. “It’s simple, but it has to be done right,” said a pediatrician. “Too much or too little water can make things worse.”
The workshop also highlighted the role of zinc supplements, which can shorten diarrhoea episodes and reduce their severity. Parents were encouraged to give children zinc tablets for 10-14 days alongside ORS, as recommended by the World Health Organization. “We’re making sure every health center in UP has free ORS and zinc available,” the official added.
Community outreach was a big part of the day. Health workers shared tips on preventing diarrhoea, like washing hands with soap, using clean drinking water, and ensuring proper sanitation. They also urged parents to get their children vaccinated against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhoea. “Prevention is just as important as treatment,” said a community health worker. “Clean water and good hygiene can stop diarrhoea before it starts.”
The “Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi” campaign, part of the broader Stop Diarrhoea initiative, aims to make these practices a habit across UP. The state has set up ORS corners at primary health centers and Anganwadi centers, where families can get free supplies and learn how to use them. “We want every parent to know about ORS and feel confident using it,” said a PSI India representative.
The workshop wasn’t just about information—it was about action. Attendees took part in hands-on sessions, practicing how to mix ORS and spot signs of dehydration, like sunken eyes or lethargy. “I didn’t know how serious diarrhoea could be,” said a mother of two from Lucknow. “Now I know what to do if my kids get sick.”
Uttar Pradesh’s efforts align with national goals to reduce child mortality. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been pushing the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign since 2014, focusing on prevention, protection, and treatment. With events like yesterday’s workshop, UP is taking big steps toward a future where no child dies from a preventable illness like diarrhoea.
As the day wrapped up, participants left with packets of ORS, zinc tablets, and a renewed sense of purpose. “This is about saving our kids,” said Dr. Sharma. “If we keep spreading the word, we can make a real difference.”
