Actress Smriti Irani Appointed "Childcare Angel"

July 29, 2005

NEW DELHI -- Popular television actress Smriti Irani was named “ChildCare Angel” in an event here today to mark the national Oral Re-hydration Solution (ORS) Day, hosted by ICICI Bank and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

In this capacity, Irani will serve as goodwill ambassador for the World Health Organization’s ORS campaign. At the event, the Indian Postal Department and the Ministry of Health and Welfare also unveiled the WHO-ORS special postal cover to commemorate the development of the new and improved ORS formulation.

Speaking at the occasion, USAID India Mission Director George Deikun said, “USAID shares Government of India’s vision for bringing about a progressive change in the health status of children in India. The ORS campaign is an excellent example of how effective public-private partnerships can assist in achieving national health goals. The range of partners that the campaign has been able to draw is truly outstanding and will go a long way in adding momentum to this cause.” Mr. Deikun particularly recognized the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ICICI Bank, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, ORS partner manufacturers and the media.

Commenting on the efforts of ICICI Bank, who have been managing the campaign for the last three years, Mr. Anand Kusre, General Manager, ICICI Bank said, “It gives us immense pride and satisfaction that the WHO-ORS Campaign is one of the most successful campaigns with which ICICI Bank has been involved.”

Since 2002, USAID support for the WHO ORS campaign has saved thousands of children from the ill effects of dehydration prompted by vomiting or diarrhea. The use of ORS has gone up from 29% in 2002 to 48% in 2004 in targeted areas of urban North India. The new, improved WHO formulation will further reduce stool output, vomiting and the need for intravenous fluids, in addition to replenishing fluids, salts and electrolytes in the body. The use of ORS is expected to further increase due to significant changes made in the ORS formulation this year.

The National ORS day, observed at the peak of the diarrhea season, is marked by several events and publicity campaigns to bring ORS into sharper focus as a simple and effective first line solution for dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting.