92,000 children affected by diarrhoea in 2013-14 in Meghalaya

At least 92,000 children below five years of age in Meghalaya were affected by diarrhoea in 2013-14 which was also responsible for high infant mortality rate (IMR) in the state.

"In Meghalaya, 92,000 cases of diarrhoea in children under five have been recorded in the year 2013-14 and most of these cases were recorded in West Khasi Hills, East and West Jaintia Hills district," Dr Y Shabong, paediatrician at the Ganesh Das Hospital said at a programme on diarrhoea.

However, Health Minister A L Hek said, since reduction of IMR was one of the prime goals of National Health Mission and Millennium Development Goals, therefore, a special campaign to prevent and control the disease was undertaken.

He also stressed on community participation so that the disease can be eradicated from the state and the country.

The programme, which would be held till August 8 in all district headquarters and sub-divisions, is aimed at 'zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea.