What is ORS? Why is it in the news?

You must have recently seen mentions of something called ORS in the news. Do you know what it stands for? And why is it in the news?

So, ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution and is also referred to as Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT). It is a type of fluid replacement which has sugars and salts, sodium and potassium, used to prevent and treat dehydration during various illnesses like diarrhoea. Use of oral rehydration therapy has been estimated to decrease the risk of death from diarrhoea by up to 93%. WHO recommends a specific quantity of each ingredient, which is important to ensure the best quality ORS reaches the public.