Asian Conference on Diarrhoeal Disease and Nutrition (ASCODD)

In News

• Recently, the 16th Asian Conference on Diarrhoeal Disease and Nutrition (ASCODD) was held at Kolkata. 

Key Points

• Theme: “Prevention and control of cholera, typhoid and other enteric diseases in low and middle-income countries through community participation: beyond the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic”.

• Focus Areas:
  • Epidemiology of cholera and typhoid
  • Roadmap to end Cholera by 2030, Cholera vaccine development and rapid diagnostics, 
  • Contemporary perspectives of antimicrobial resistance of enteric bacteria: new Initiatives and challenges, 
  • Enteric bacterial infections, including Shigella spp, epidemiology, burden, and 
  • vaccines against other viral infections, including Hepatitis, 
  • Lessons learned about diarrhoea research during the COVID pandemic.
• Achievements of India:
  • India successfully ran a free vaccination program with record break vaccination of more than 219 crores. 
  • India provided vaccinations to other nations so that it can win over the pandemic together. Effective use of safe and affordable vaccines,
  • Various Health initiatives under Digital India initiative:
    • Online Registration System, 
    • eHospital for hospital management, 
    • eSanjeevani telemedicine app 

Diarrhea 

• Gastrointestinal infection leading to Loose, watery and possibly more-frequent bowel movements 
• Caused by: 
  • A Variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms. 
  • Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking-water, or from person to person as a result of poor hygiene.
• Associated with other symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss.
• Measures to treat diarrhoea:
  • Rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution
  • Rehydration may require intravenous fluids in case of severe dehydration or shock.
  • Zinc supplements 
  • Nutrient-rich foods

Source: PIB