Vitamin A prophylaxis and the Stop Diarrhoea campaigns inaugurated in Salem and Namakkal

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian on Monday launched the State-wide ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2024’ and administration of Vitamin A doses for children in Chennai.

The campaign was being held with the goal of zero under-five deaths due to Acute Diarrheal Diseases in Tamil Nadu. According to a press release, the campaign will be held from July 1 to August 31 in health sub-centres, primary health centres, government hospitals, anganwadi centres and schools in the State. ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) sachets worth ₹1.25 crore were procured through the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation and 45.31 lakh sachets would be distributed through these centres. In addition, zinc tablets worth ₹1.68 crore were also procured.

The Minister said that 58.33 lakh children would benefit through this exercise. Noting that Tamil Nadu accounted for 7% blindness due to Vitamin A deficiency, he said that vitamin A tablets were continuously being given. Vitamin A dose would be given from July 1 to 31.