New Delhi, Dec 9 (IANS): To raise awareness about good health practices on issues like sanitation, nutrition and fitness among children, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation in collaboration with HEAL foundation launched an awareness campaign here Tuesday.

The campaign named "Swasthya Bacche Shikshit Bacche" aims to educate over 1.5 lakh students in schools in East Delhi on crucial topics like sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, fitness and stopping child abuse.

The campaign was launched by Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay.

"The health of the nation depends upon the health of our children. The government, civil society, corporate India, NGOs and every Indian should come forward to support the idea and help realise the goal of a clean and healthy India," Upadhyay said during the launch of the event.

Global studies have suggested that poor hand washing practices among children have put a burden of Rs. 10,990 crore due to diarrhea and of over Rs. 5,945 crore due to acute respiratory infections on India.

Swadeep Srivastava, founding chairman, HEAL Foundation, said, "Sanitation, personal hygiene and environmental pollution are directly linked with diarrhea and other infectious diseases, which are in turn linked with poor absorption of nutrients and micro nutrient deficiency. This is why an effective IEC programme could go a long way in improving physiological and psychological health of children."

"Such issues can only be addressed through effective community-based awareness interventions. The basic idea behind Swasthya Bacche programme is to sensitise children at the school level itself, where bringing in behavioural change is comparatively easier," he said.

Survey reports have also indicated that over 68 percent of the episodes of illness among children under 16, result in school absenteeism.