New Delhi 21 January 2025: Reckitt, the world’s leading consumer health and hygiene company, has taken a significant step towards improving rural healthcare through its ‘Self-Care for New Moms & Kids Under Five’ program in Gujarat. As part of the initiative, an ORS and Zinc corner has been installed at the newly inaugurated Public Health Centre (PHC) in Nani Rajasthali, Palitana Block, Bhavnagar District. This initiative aligns with the National Health Mission’s (NHM) goals and underscores Reckitt’s mission to combat diarrhoea-related mortality and foster healthier communities.
Diarrhoea remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five globally, despite being preventable and treatable with the right resources and practices. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 8% of children under the age of five in Gujarat had diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey. Despite high awareness of ORS (93%), only 67% of children with diarrhoea received ORS, and 35% were given zinc supplements. Alarmingly, 14% of children with diarrhoea did not receive any treatment. Reckitt’s initiative addresses these gaps by combining access to ORS and Zinc with community-driven health improvements, ensuring timely treatment and reducing the burden of diarrhoea in underserved communities.
As one of the world’s most trusted brands, Dettol has been a pioneer in promoting hand hygiene as a key measure to prevent diseases. Through its ‘Self-Care for New Moms & Kids Under Five’ program, Dettol combines multiple impactful strategies while it continues to emphasize hygiene education by teaching caregivers and children on the importance of handwashing for 20 seconds. The program enhances access to resources providing ORS and Zinc in Dettol-led hygiene corners, which have been expanded across intervention states. Additionally, it focuses on behavioural change communication, empowering communities to adopt preventive health practices, reduce school absenteeism, and ensure well-being among children. Together, these efforts aim to break the cycle of repeated illnesses, laying a strong foundation for healthier children.
The ceremony at Nani Rajasthali PHC was graced by Hon’ble Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, and Member of Parliament from Bhavnagar. The event also saw the participation of esteemed dignitaries from Gujarat and Bhavnagar district, including Shri Bhikhabhai Bharatbhai Zalodara and Shri Mahendrasinh Sarvaiya (MLAs), Smt. Raiyaben Mulajibhai Maiyaani (President of Zilla Panchayat, Bhavnagar), and Shri Jigarbhai Vaghela (Taluka Panchayat President, Palitana). Key health department officials, including Dr. K.M. Solanki (RCHO), Shri Amitbhai Rajyaguru (District IEC Officer), Dr. Dipak Makwana (THO, Palitana), and others, also attended the event.
Hon’ble Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya lauded the efforts undertaken by the Self-Care program and expressed her keen interest in expanding the campaign’s scope. She emphasized the importance of such initiatives in addressing pressing health challenges and acknowledged the impact of diarrhoea kits in improving community health. She further highlighted the importance of timely interventions in combating preventable diseases and acknowledged the impact of Reckitt’s initiative.
Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, said, “At Reckitt, we are committed to driving meaningful change in healthcare systems with a focus on child health. The ORS and Zinc corner initiative is a reflection of this commitment, empowering new mothers with the right tools and knowledge to take charge of their health and their child’s. Diarrhoea remains a significant challenge in rural India, but with Dettol as a trusted partner in hygiene, we aim to foster a culture of preventive care.We are proud to partner with the Government of Gujarat and together we can turn everyday challenges into opportunities for lasting transformation.”
The ORS and Zinc corner aims to provide essential support in managing diarrhoea and improving child health outcomes in the district. By integrating hygiene education with access to ORS and zinc, the initiative empowers caregivers and children to adopt preventive measures, reducing the risk of recurrent illness and promoting sustained well-being. Additionally, Reckitt’s hygiene corners address critical cases promptly, helping mitigate the long-term health consequences of repeated diarrhoeal episodes among schoolchildren.
The event also featured the launch of pneumonia awareness kites as part of the SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) campaign. These kites, featuring key messages on pneumonia prevention, were introduced to frontline health workers and community members, offering an engaging and innovative approach to health education. The initiative received widespread appreciation for raising awareness about respiratory illnesses effectively.
By combining innovative health interventions, the ‘Self-Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five’ program remains committed to addressing critical healthcare challenges such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. By working closely with local health authorities, the program aims to build healthier futures for mothers and children across India and empower communities to take charge of their well-being. The program’s impactful health solutions align with global prevention strategies outlined by the WHO, ensuring that rural communities have access to timely and essential health interventions.
