India's Largest Ever Race Against Diarrheal Deaths on July 29 -
USAID, ICICI Bank Organize Health Run in 32 Indian Cities to Mark National ORS Day

July 27, 2006

New Delhi – On July 29, over half a million (five lakh) Indians spread across 32 cities of India will participate in a run to raise awareness about large-scale childhood deaths resulting from diarrhea. Named Udaan, it will be India’s largest ever run in support of the fight against diarrheal deaths. Over 500,000 children die in India each year due to dehydration caused by diarrhea, and diarrhea is also a major cause of malnutrition in children.

Udaan has been organized by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the ICICI Bank Ltd. to mark the National ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) Day. National ORS day is observed every year on July 29 to promote the correct use of ORS.

The run will take place in cities spread across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The event is an initiative under the Saathi Bachpan Ke (Partners for Childhood) program, which has a mandate to reduce childhood fatalities resulting from diarrhea.

The run is intended to reinforce the message that every Indian child has the right to live a healthy and productive life. A large number of mothers and children will participate, along with doctors and chemists, to demonstrate their solidarity. School student's, National Cadet Corps (NCC), NGOs, military and police establishments and sports academics will also join in to support the cause.

In his message on the eve of the event, Dr. Robert Clay, Director, Office of Population, Health & Nutrition, USAID said: “India has an extremely high infant and child mortality rate. Diarrhea is one of the biggest causes of death in children in India. It is our vision to bring about a progressive change in the health status of children in India.” Clay lauded the efforts of the ICICI Bank, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, ORS partner manufacturers and media.

Speaking about the event, actress Smriti Irani who has been named the ORS “ChildCare Angel,” said: “I have been associated with the Saathi Bachpan Ke campaign for a year now. I am extremely happy to be a part of Udaan.” Dr. Nachiket Mor, Executive Director, ICICI Bank stated, “The Saathi Bachpan Ke campaign is an excellent example of how effectively public-private partnerships can assist in achieving national health goals.”