Implementation of oral rehydration therapy in villages

Abstract

Oral rehydration therapy was implemented amongst 6410 population in four villages through six locally recruited volunteers, who were trained for preparation of oral rehydration solution and treatment of diarrheas with mild and moderate degrees of dehydration. The volunteers acted as depot holders for ORS packets as well treatment providers. No monetary incentive was provided to any of them. A two year-period of observation showed that on an average 59·1 per cent of the diarrhea cases received ORS treatment from these volunteers (having a quarterly range of coverage from 41·7–81·0%). There was no diarrhea-associated death and no case needed referral to hospital. None of the volunteers dropped out from the study during the above period.