14/07/2025
Dear Colleagues,
Greetings from Indian Academy of Pediatrics!
As you are aware, IAP observes *ORS Day on 29th July* and *ORS Week from 25th to 31st July* each year. This observance serves as a vital public health initiative to highlight the life-saving role of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) in the management of diarrhea. We encourage all State, District, and Local branches, along with individual members, to actively participate in spreading awareness about the correct use of ORS, educating communities on recognizing signs of dehydration and its management, improving access to ORS in underserved areas, and ultimately helping to reduce child morbidity and mortality. Through collective efforts, we can empower communities and reaffirm our commitment to child health across the nation.
*Theme for This Year- " ORS: A Simple Solution for a Healthier Future"*
*Slogan - โSip Smart, Stay Strong - Say YES TO ORSโ*
We kindly request all branches to create awareness with following suggested activities Action Steps:
*1. Public Awareness & Education*
ยท Organize school/college health talks on dehydration, diarrhea, and importance of ORS.
ยท Conduct community awareness camps in rural/urban areas in collaboration with local health workers.
ยท Distribute educational pamphlets/posters in local languages. (Distribute pamphlets in public transport like buses, autos etc...)
*2. ORS Preparation Demonstration*
ยท Live ORS packet use and home-made ORS demonstration for mothers and caregivers.
ยท Display how-to-do videos on social media handles of the branch.
*3. Health Camps & Distribution*
ยท Organize health camps in community centers, schools, and PHCs to provide free ORS packets along with educational materials
ยท Ensure free ORS distribution in outpatient departments (OPDs) throughout the ORS Week.
ยท Set up special diarrhea management OPDs during the week to counsel caregivers and promptly manage dehydration cases.
*4. Digital & Media Campaigns Social Media Campaigns:*
Leverage platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to share educational videos, infographics, and animated explainers on the importance of ORS in preventing dehydration, especially among children. Launch engaging challenges such as or , encouraging short reels that demonstrate the correct method to prepare and administer ORS. These interactive efforts can significantly boost public engagement and awareness.
*Live Streams and Webinars:*
ยท Organize live online sessions featuring pediatricians and healthcare experts to discuss the management of dehydration and the critical role of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), particularly during diarrhea outbreaks.
ยท National-level webinars can be conducted in association with the IAP Gastroenterology Chapter to ensure scientific accuracy and wide participation. These webinars should be promoted across WhatsApp groups, community forums, and the official social media handles of IAP branches and partner organizations to maximize outreach. (A crucial component of these sessions must be educating both the public and healthcare professionals on what qualifies as true ORS and, importantly, what does not. Dispelling myths about substitutes and emphasizing the correct usage of ORS.)
*Press Releases and Media Outreach:*
Issue informative press releases, articles, or conduct interviews across local newspapers, TV, and radio, preferably in regional languages. These should focus on key public health messagesโidentifying early signs of dehydration, proper usage of ORS, and the need for community-level awareness. Ensure the messaging remains culturally sensitive, simple, and easily understandable for all sections of the population.
ยท Use official hashtag: on all posts and videos.
*Suggested formats:*
o โDid You Know?โ series on dehydration/ORS facts.
o Short reels showing correct ORS preparation.
o Testimonials from pediatricians/parents/field workers.
o Countdown stories: โ7 Days of ORSโ (25โ31 July) run a story/post series building momentum each day leading up to ORS Day, focusing on key themes like prevention, signs of dehydration, community role, and ORS myths vs. facts.
*5. Involvement of Stakeholders*
ยท Collaborate with frontline health functionaries including ICDS workers, ASHAs, ANMs, and Anganwadi staff to ensure wide community outreach and grassroots-level engagement.
ยท Conduct orientation and sensitization programs for school teachers, local health volunteers, and community leaders to amplify awareness on ORS usage and dehydration management.
ยท Organize health camps at schools, PHCs, and community centers to distribute free ORS packets and educational materials.
ยท Conduct roadside awareness shows in collaboration with NGOs.
*6. Poster/Quiz Competitions*
ยท Organize drawing and poster-making competitions for school children on themes such as โStay Hydratedโ or โORS โ A Life Saverโ to foster awareness from a young age.
ยท Conduct quiz competitions, slogan-writing contests, or flash knowledge sessions for medical and paramedical students to reinforce ORS-related knowledge in academic settings.
*7. Pledge and Recognition*
ยท Encourage community participation in an ORS Pledge on 29th July, during local events or school assemblies, to promote commitment toward hydration awareness.
ยท Honor and publicly recognize the efforts of frontline workers who significantly contributed during recent diarrheal disease outbreaks.
Note: All branches are requested to post pictures of your branch activities on social medias using hashtags # IAPorsdayand week2025 # also tagging Indian academy of pediatrics.
With kind regards,
*Dr Yogesh N Parikh*
Secretary-General, IAP 2024 & 2025
