ORSL launches ‘Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi’ campaign to save lives

Kenvue, the makers of ORSL, have launched a transformative public health initiative, “Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi”, in partnership with Population Services International India (PSI India). This initiative aims to reach five million children under the age of five across 10 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar over the next two years, with the goal of reducing diarrhoea-related mortality and improving child health outcomes.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign”, which strives for zero child deaths due to diarrhoea. It will focus on an integrated diarrhoea management approach, covering both preventive and curative measures, with a special emphasis on early intervention and community healthcare strengthening.

Key Focus Areas:

• Raising awareness and promoting behaviour change regarding diarrhoea prevention and management.
• Capacity building for community healthcare workers (ASHAs), service providers, and caregivers to enhance diarrhoea treatment and management.
• Ensuring early detection and effective treatment by expanding access to Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Zinc, along with holistic hydration solutions for children.

The initiative will be implemented in the districts of Badaun, Mathura, Unnao, Moradabad, Gonda, Shrawasti, and Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Supaul, Darbhanga, and Purnia in Bihar.

Despite ORS being the gold standard for diarrhoea treatment, its usage remains under-prescribed. According to National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), only 60.6% of children under five received ORS treatment for diarrhoea. In Uttar Pradesh, nearly 50% of children with diarrhoea did not receive ORS in the two weeks preceding the survey, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and intervention.

Manish Anandani, Managing Director, India, Kenvue, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving hydration solutions: “ORSL has been advancing science in hydration with its Ready-to-Drink ORS W.H.O.-approved formula. Through the ‘Diarrhoea Se Darr Nahi’ initiative, we aim to support the Government’s efforts and impact around 5 million children by increasing W.H.O. ORS coverage, strengthening community healthcare capabilities, and fostering key partnerships in the healthcare ecosystem.”

Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Executive Director, PSI India, highlighted PSI India’s role in supporting government efforts: “Diarrhoea prevention initiatives, including hygiene awareness, nutritious diets, and ORS promotion, are crucial to India’s universal health coverage goals. As a trusted partner of the National Health Mission and state governments, PSI India is committed to expanding primary healthcare access and preventing diarrhoea-related deaths in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.”

Through this multi-year initiative, Kenvue and PSI India are taking a leadership role in tackling diarrhoea, ensuring improved healthcare access and child well-being in vulnerable communities.