DIMAPUR: A meeting of the District Task Force (DTF) with allied departments on the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026 and Routine Immunization (RI) was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima, on May 26 under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner B. Henok Buchem.
Chairing the meeting, Buchem stressed the need to overcome stigma and misconceptions surrounding diarrhoea and healthcare practices. He observed that reliance on non‑scientific treatment methods continues to cause avoidable complications, particularly in far‑flung areas where access to healthcare and awareness remain limited. He noted that diarrhoeal diseases affect productivity in schools and workplaces, and called upon all departments to mobilize resources and manpower effectively to ensure the success of the campaign and improve child health outcomes.
Delivering on the campaign, Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, DPO (RMNCAH+N), said the ultimate goal of the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) is to attain zero child deaths due to diarrhoea through awareness on the use of ORS and Zinc, and promotion of preventive and management measures among children under five years. He informed that the campaign will be conducted from June 16 to July 31, 2026, covering all children below five years, caregivers and households, with special focus on hard‑to‑reach areas and vulnerable communities.
Dr. Nakhro explained that diarrhoea results in frequent watery stools and dehydration, which can be life‑threatening if untreated. He emphasized that ORS restores lost fluids and electrolytes, while Zinc reduces severity and frequency of diarrhoea and supports child growth. During the campaign, ASHAs will distribute ORS packets and demonstrate their preparation and use, while CHOs and ANMs will carry out awareness activities on sanitation, hygiene and diarrhoea management. Handwashing demonstrations will be conducted in schools and Anganwadi Centres, and ORS‑Zinc corners will be set up in health facilities.
He also highlighted continued breastfeeding, use of clean drinking water, handwashing practices and the need to seek immediate medical help if children show warning signs such as fever, blood in stool or inability to drink. Sharing past achievements, he informed that 16,479 children were provided ORS and Zinc in 2024, while the number rose to 20,147 in 2025, with mobile teams reaching remote areas.
On immunization, Dr. Nakhro reported that Kohima district achieved 120 percent coverage for Measles Rubella (MR) 1st Dose and 118 percent full immunization against the 2025 target of 2,088 infants. A total of 2,497 children received MR 1st Dose, while 2,468 were fully immunized. The district also achieved 105 percent coverage for MR 2nd Dose with 2,198 beneficiaries. Kohima Sadar block recorded the highest performance with 144 percent coverage, while Jakhama and Tseminyu blocks recorded 75–80 percent coverage. Against the Government of India census target of 3,022 infants, the district achieved 83 percent MR 1st Dose coverage and 82 percent full immunization.
On allied departments’ roles, he said Social Welfare would create awareness through Anganwadi Centres, School Education would conduct hygiene demonstrations, NSRLM‑RD would disseminate information among SHG households, PHED/JJM would support clean drinking water initiatives, and Urban Development and Municipal Councils would assist in awareness generation and community mobilization.
Dr. Nakhro urged DTF members to sensitize the public about ongoing health activities, educate communities on the importance of free immunization against vaccine‑preventable diseases and encourage people to avail medical services.
