Goa | 16th June 2025 — In a significant move to promote child health, sanitation, and public awareness, the Directorate of Health Services Goa, in collaboration with the State Family Welfare Bureau (SFWB) and Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli, officially launched the “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” at the Village Panchayat Hall, Morpirla.
The launch event marked the beginning of a sustained, community-driven public health initiative aimed at preventing diarrhoeal diseases through education, hygiene promotion, and nutritional awareness, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.
Dignitaries Lead the Campaign with a Unified Message
The event was graced by key healthcare professionals and community leaders. The dignified launch was led by:
- Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi, Medical Officer, SFWB, Directorate of Health Services, Panaji
- Dr. Benedicta Dias, Health Officer, Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli
- Dr. Meenal
- Maria Murena Miranda, Headmistress, local school
- Along with dedicated members of the local Health Team
Together, they underscored the urgent need to combat diarrhoeal illnesses, which continue to be a leading cause of preventable deaths among children under five in India.
Educational Talk on Hygiene, Nutrition & Breastfeeding
Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi delivered an impactful awareness session focused on:
- Importance of handwashing, especially before meals and after using toilets
- Consuming safe and clean drinking water
- Sanitation and proper waste disposal as critical preventive measures
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as a key strategy to improve infant immunity and reduce infections
The talk encouraged active participation from both students and parents, emphasizing that prevention begins at home.
Creative Competitions to Engage and Educate
To involve the community creatively, the event featured:
- 🎨 Poster and Rangoli Competitions on the theme “Stop Diarrhoea”, showcasing vibrant student talent
- 🍽️ Nutritional Food Exhibition by parents, who prepared and displayed wholesome dishes that promoted healthy eating habits
These activities made health education interactive and accessible, especially for young minds. Winners across categories were recognized and awarded, encouraging broader community involvement.
Impact and Way Forward
The event succeeded in sensitizing the community—especially school children and parents—on critical health practices. It helped cultivate a shared understanding of how hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition collectively play a pivotal role in diarrhoea prevention.
The campaign’s launch set a strong precedent for similar awareness drives across Goa, supporting the broader goals of Ayushman Bharat and National Health Mission (NHM) in reducing child morbidity and improving public health outcomes.
“Awareness is the first step towards prevention. This campaign will go a long way in ensuring that every child in Goa has access to a healthy, hygienic start to life,” said Dr. Benedicta Dias.
The “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” continues to be a shining example of how grassroots engagement, community participation, and healthcare leadership can come together to drive meaningful change.
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