New Delhi| HL June 23, 2026
In a major push to strengthen child health, nutrition and maternal healthcare services, Delhi Health Minister on Tuesday launched the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2026, virtually inaugurated a Model Integrated Nutrition Centre at , and released new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and clinical algorithms for the management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Pregnancy-Related Sepsis.
The campaign aims to reduce child mortality caused by diarrhoeal diseases through awareness, early diagnosis, timely treatment and community participation. As part of the launch, the Health Minister distributed ORS packets and Zinc tablets among children and parents, highlighting the importance of prompt intervention in diarrhoeal illnesses.
Senior officials, including Director Family Welfare Dr. A.G. Radhika, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), doctors and healthcare professionals from across Delhi, attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singh described the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign as more than a government programme, calling it a public movement to protect children from preventable diseases. He noted that diarrhoeal infections tend to rise during the monsoon season and stressed the importance of hygiene, safe drinking water, sanitation and the timely use of ORS and Zinc.
“Diarrhoea may appear to be a common illness, but its consequences can be severe, especially for children. Through awareness, timely treatment, community participation and improved nutrition services, we can prevent avoidable child deaths and ensure a healthier future for every child,” he said.
The campaign will run until July 31 and focus on household outreach, community awareness, capacity building and strengthening healthcare delivery systems. Frontline workers, including ASHAs, ANMs and Anganwadi workers, will play a crucial role in taking preventive health messages to families across the city.
A key highlight of the programme was the virtual inauguration of the Model Integrated Nutrition Centre at SVBP Hospital. The facility has been designed as a comprehensive care centre that combines nutrition services with multiple healthcare systems, including Allopathy, AYUSH, Homeopathy, Unani and Yoga.
Calling the centre a pioneering initiative, the Minister said it reflects the Delhi Government’s vision of providing holistic healthcare under one roof. He added that similar centres are planned in every district of the national capital to ensure wider access to integrated healthcare and nutrition services.
The Minister also underlined the role of AYUSH systems in preventive healthcare, mental wellness and overall health promotion, stating that the government is committed to creating a healthcare ecosystem where traditional and modern systems complement each other for better patient outcomes.
Another major development during the event was the release of evidence-based SOPs and clinical algorithms for the management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy & Postpartum Sepsis. Developed through expert consultations and scientific evidence, these guidelines are expected to support doctors, nurses and frontline health workers in identifying and managing high-risk maternal health conditions more effectively.
The easy-to-follow clinical algorithms will be displayed at healthcare facilities to assist medical professionals in delivering standardized and quality maternal healthcare services.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health indicators, Dr. Singh said Delhi is working towards achieving a single-digit Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). He emphasized that this goal can be achieved through collective efforts focused on institutional deliveries, newborn care, immunisation, nutrition, breastfeeding awareness and timely treatment.
“Every child deserves a healthy start to life, and we are committed to ensuring that no child is left behind,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of safe drinking water, sanitation, balanced nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding in preventing childhood illnesses and reducing mortality. He called upon healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and citizens to actively support the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign and make it a mass public health movement.
The event concluded with the Health Minister acknowledging the contributions of healthcare experts, development partners, authors and frontline workers who helped develop the new maternal healthcare guidelines and strengthen Delhi’s public health initiatives.
