The Medical and Health Department recently initiated two targeted campaigns to address diarrhea and mosquito-borne illnesses throughout Chittoor district.

During a meeting with medical and paramedical staff on June 13, District Medical and Health Officer Dr. D.T. Sudharani instructed medical officers to prepare for the upcoming 'Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF)' campaign and provide a status report within a few days.

The main objective of the IDCF is to decrease child mortality rates among children under five years old.

ANMs, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi staff were tasked with conducting household surveys and educating families on diarrhea prevention from June 16 to July 31.

The DMHO emphasized the importance of establishing Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) stations in all primary health centers, wellness centers, and Anganwadi facilities. Parents were encouraged to have their children vaccinated against rotavirus. Children displaying symptoms will receive treatment with ORS and zinc tablets, with referrals to higher medical facilities if needed.

Meanwhile, District Malaria Officer Venu Gopal inspected the 'Friday Dry Day' activities at the Urban Health Centre in Mapakshi village of Gudipala mandal near Chittoor. He also visited LB Puram and CG Palle villages as part of the ongoing Malaria Prevention Month. Gopal emphasized the importance of residents observing Dry Day every Friday to prevent mosquito breeding and diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis.

During a visit to the Anganwadi center in Mapakshi, the official highlighted the necessity of mesh doors and maintaining clean surroundings to safeguard children from mosquito bites.