World ORS Day, 29 July - Importance, Theme and History
World ORS Day is a global awareness day observed on July 29th every year. It highlights the importance of a simple but lifesaving drink. Educating the public and raising awareness about ORS is essential for reducing the risk of mortality caused by diarrhoeal complications.
Importance of World Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) Day
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diarrhoea-related illnesses are the second leading cause of death in children under the age of five. In India, diarrhoea is the third leading cause of death in children. Even though diarrhoea is treatable, providing instruction to people and raising awareness about ORS is essential.
Every year on July 29, World ORS Day is observed to highlight the importance of ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) as a cost-effective healthcare option for treating dehydration and diarrhoea. Awareness is the first step towards identifying a solution and reducing a problem. ORS Day aims to increase awareness about the importance of ORS.
ORS is a simple, inexpensive mixture of water, salts, and glucose used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea and other disorders. The glucose in ORS aids in the absorption of sodium and water in the intestines, making it an extremely efficient treatment for dehydration. ORS is simple to prepare and administer at home, and making it accessible to everyone, including those who live in villages. ORS is a cost-effective option, making it an essential resource in developing nations with limited healthcare resources.
The day promotes the significance of making ORS available to everyone, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions. Health organisations believe that by emphasising accessibility, they can ensure that no child dies from preventable dehydration. While ORS is a life-saving treatment, proper preparation and administration are important. World ORS Day is a chance to teach caretakers and healthcare practitioners concerning how to effectively prepare and administer ORS.
The widespread implementation of ORS has the potential to greatly lessen the strain on healthcare systems. Preventing severe dehydration reduces the requirement for hospitalisations, freeing up medical resources for other vital needs.
World Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) Day 2024 Theme
This year, 2024, World ORS Day theme is ’Create Awareness about the Magic Mixture’. This theme highlights the importance of ORS in dealing with dehydration caused by diarrhoea and other illnesses, as well as its simplicity and effectiveness as a treatment.
The main focus is on spreading knowledge about the significance of ORS in saving lives, particularly in locations where access to clean water and healthcare might be limited.
Year by year, the theme of World ORS Day
- World ORS Day 2023 theme: O-only, R-rational, S- Solution for diarrhoea, with the slogan “Oral Rehydration, No More Dehydration”
- World ORS Day 2022 theme: "Jodi No. 1 - ORS and Zinc".
- World ORS Day 2021 theme: "Oral Rehydration, No More Dehydration"
- World ORS Day 2020 theme: "The Amrut in Dehydration"
- World ORS Day 2019 theme: “The Amrut in Dehydration"
- World ORS Day 2018 theme: “Oral Rehydration Therapy: The Forgotten Cure,”
History of World Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) Day
World ORS Day has an extensive history grounded in global health activities. According to the National Institute of Health, ORS was developed in the late 1960s by researchers who identified the need for an effective, inexpensive, and easy treatment for diarrhoea-induced dehydration. The solution, which contained a precise blend of salts and glucose, transformed the treatment of dehydration and became a cornerstone of global public health strategies.
World ORS Day was officially recognised considerably later, at the initiative of several health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF. The day is observed yearly on July 29 to remember the development of ORS and to encourage its ongoing usage in decreasing dehydration-related mortality, particularly among children in developing nations.
Tips to Consider When Taking ORS
Although it may appear easy to take ORS for diarrhoea and dehydration, there are a few basic guidelines to follow to gain the advantages. This includes:
- Adults can drink the solution directly from a glass, but children should be fed with a spoon or cup. It is not recommended to use a bottle to feed a child.
- Do not mix the contents with milk, soup, fruit juices, or anything else other than water. Also, avoid adding any additional sugar or salt to the solution.
- It is usually recommended to make a new drink and discard the solution (if there is any leftover). This is because leaving the drink exposed or using it for more than 24 hours increases the risk of bacterial illness.
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