Latest news with #StateActionPlanforRabiesElimination
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Push against diarrhoea deaths in kids
Chandigarh: To safeguard the health of young children in the state, Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday launched the 'STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2025'. The two-month-long initiative aims to prevent mortality among children under five. The minister also unveiled awareness posters. Dr Balbir Singh emphasised: "Diarrhoea is a major cause of child deaths — each one a tragic and avoidable loss. This campaign is our pledge to protect every child with awareness, prevention, and timely treatment." He said the health department would adopt a prevent-protect-treat (PPT) strategy, targeting high-risk monsoon months. The state will deploy door-to-door ORS-Zinc kit distribution through ASHA workers. Besides, ORS-Zinc corners will be established at all health institutions and Anganwadis, and health workers' skills will be enhanced to manage cases effectively. "No child should die from a treatable condition. We are ensuring ORS, Zinc, IV fluids, and antibiotics are available at every health facility," said the minister. Underlining the need for awareness, Dr Balbir Singh he said the campaign prioritises community mobilisation for handwashing, safe drinking water, exclusive breastfeeding, sanitation, and immunisation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urban Ascent by Emaar 4 BHK Apartments Starting at ₹ 5.25 Cr* on Dwarka E-Way , Near Gurugram Emaar India Get Quote Undo "Diarrhoea is preventable — clean hands, clean water, and timely care can save lives," urged the minister. He called for the participation of panchayati raj leaders, self-help groups, teachers, and parents to champion the cause. Dr Balbir Singh said Punjab had been fostering inter-departmental collaboration with education, women child department, water and sanitation, and rural development department to address diarrhoea's root causes. "This is not just a health issue, it's a battle for Punjab's future. Together, we will break the chain of infection," he asserted. The minister made an appeal to keep the surroundings clean, use safe water, and act fast if diarrhoea strikes — start ORS-Zinc immediately and seek medical help. He also advocated drinking local drinks such as lemonade (shikanji) as the intake of liquids is essential for hydration. Fight against rabies A memorandum of understanding (MoU), under the National Rabies Control Programme, was signed between the health department and Peedu – an animal welfare NGO located in Mohali – to facilitate coordinated efforts towards the preparation of the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination by 2030. The initiative involves the engagement of various stakeholders, along with the training of health staff and counselling sessions at anti-rabies clinics in district Mohali, with the scope for future expansion across the state. MSID:: 122515974 413 |
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Kerala yet to submit rabies elimination plan, says Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh
The Kerala government has not finalised and submitted the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (SAPRE), Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh informed in a letter to Kodikunnil Suresh, MP. 'The National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) has been launched, under which States are required to prepare and implement their respective SAPREs. However, the Government of Kerala is yet to finalise and submit its SAPRE. It is necessary that this process be expedited to ensure effective coordination and eligibility for Central support under the plan,' Mr. Singh said. The Union Minister said the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has extended support to Kerala in managing the stray population by recognising Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres in Kannur, Kollam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Wayanad. 'Approval has also been granted for conducting ABC programmes through mobile units and by government veterinary hospitals using trained veterinarians,' he said. Mr. Singh further noted that AWBI has recently published an animal birth control module to guide the implementation of the programme and has issued a series of advisories to promote humane management of stray animals, encourage vaccination and reduce human-animal conflict. He emphasised that the continued support and proactive intervention of the State government in implementing the ABC Rules and preparing the SAPRE would be crucial in preventing rabies deaths. The SAPRE in Kerala is being prepared jointly by the Health, Animal Husbandry and Local Self Government departments, with the Health department acting as the nodal agency. 'The preparation of SAPRE is nearing completion. Since it is a joint action plan, we need to consolidate the inputs from all three departments. Once that is done, we will submit it to the Union Ministry for vetting,' said a Health department official. MP slams Kerala govt Meanwhile, Mr. Suresh criticised the Kerala government for the delay in submitting the action plan. 'The submission of SAPRE is a mandatory requirement. The delay has now been flagged by the Union government. Despite repeated reminders and formal communications issued by the Ministry and the AWBI, the State government has failed to act. The ABC Rules, 2023, remain largely unimplemented across Kerala in the absence of SAPRE. This is not merely an administrative delay, but an outright failure of governance,' the Mavelikara MP said.
