JAMMU, Jun 30: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jammu observed the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) 2026 through a series of health awareness and education programmes aimed at preventing diarrhoeal diseases and promoting effective community-based management. The initiative was organized by the Department of Community Medicine under the guidance of D. N. Sharma.
The awareness campaign was conducted at multiple locations, including the Rakhjhang Anganwadi Centre, NTPHC Sangwal, and the AYUSH Block of AIIMS Jammu, ensuring extensive outreach among local residents, caregivers, and hospital visitors. The programme focused on educating the public about the prevention and control of diarrhoea, with special emphasis on the life-saving role of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation.
The campaign was led by faculty members, senior residents, junior residents, and interns from the Department of Community Medicine in collaboration with the District Health Authority, Samba. During interactive sessions, healthcare professionals explained the causes of diarrhoea and stressed the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, consuming safe drinking water, and adopting proper sanitation practices to reduce the risk of infection.
A major highlight of the initiative was empowering caregivers with practical knowledge for managing diarrhoeal illnesses at home. The medical team conducted live demonstrations on the correct preparation of both commercially available and homemade ORS solutions to ensure children remain adequately hydrated during episodes of diarrhoea. Educational pamphlets, ORS packets, and zinc tablets were distributed among participants to encourage timely and effective treatment at the community level.
The sessions also focused on helping participants identify the early signs of dehydration, understand appropriate home-based care, and recognize when professional medical attention is required. Through interactive discussions and community engagement, the programme sought to strengthen awareness and encourage healthier practices among families.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sharma said that preventive healthcare begins with awareness and active community participation. He emphasized that simple, evidence-based measures such as maintaining hygiene, ensuring access to 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.
He reaffirmed AIIMS Jammu’s commitment to strengthening community outreach and advancing preventive healthcare through sustained public health awareness programmes, adding that such initiatives play a vital role in improving health outcomes and building healthier communities.