News
World Breastfeeding Week at Rama Medical College: Promoting Health and Well-being
21 Aug 2023
The Rama Medical College in Mandhana, Kanpur, celebrated World Breastfeeding Week from August 1–7, 2023, highlighting its unwavering dedication to maternal and newborn health. The event was distinguished by a number of eye-opening activities centered on this year's topic, "Enabling breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents," and was led by the inspirational vision of Dr. Anju Gahlot, Head of the Department of Community Medicine.
The week-long events aim to increase awareness of the crucial role nursing plays in newborn development in order to highlight the huge benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. The occasion promoted women's rights to breastfeed without restriction, whenever and wherever they want.
The campaign's emphasis on World Breastfeeding Week's dual goals was one of its pillars. The primary objective was to improve baby health and provide them the best possible start in life. The second goal was to promote women's rights by fostering, defending, and advancing their right to breastfeed regardless of their professional obligations.
The event highlighted the pressing need for change, as more than half a billion working women globally are devoid of essential maternity protection under national laws. A mere 20% of countries enforce employers to provide paid breaks and facilities for breastfeeding or expressing milk. Shockingly, fewer than half of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that universalizing breastfeeding could save over 800,000 lives annually, predominantly children under six months old.
The program's key objectives resonated deeply with participants, creating a shared commitment to:
- Encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies for fair start in life.
- To support mothers through peer groups to promote, establish, and carry on breastfeeding by informing families of the benefits of Peer Counseling.
- To educate and train health care practitioners to provide support to mothers and babies in effective ways
- Call governments to action to recognize the importance of the protection and promotion of breastfeeding and provide legislation to support a breastfeeding mother.
- To deepen knowledge of the students along with the community to enhance, promote, and protect breastfeeding.
The week-long event was replete with insightful activities that left a lasting impact:
- Poster Presentation and Health Talk On August 3rd and 4th, 2023, MBBS Batch - 2021 students engaged in a thought-provoking poster presentation and health talk at UHTC and RHTC.
- Door to Door Community Awareness Campaign: On August 5th, 2023, MBBS Batch - 2022 students, in conjunction with Dr. Lakshmi Singh, Dr. Nilanjan Dam, Dr. Saurabh, and Dr. Shreyansh, carried out a door-to-door community awareness campaign in Sadipur village.
- Quiz and Seminar: On August 7th, 2023, students from MBBS Batch – 2020 & 2021 participated in a stimulating quiz and seminar, followed by a prize distribution ceremony.
The event's inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Anju Gahlot, highlighting the pivotal role of breastfeeding in both familial and professional spheres. Esteemed dignitaries including Dr. (COL) B.K. Prasad, Dr. S.P. Singh, Dr. Chitra Chauhan, Dr. Aman Kumar, Dr. Saket Shekhar, and Dr. Lakshmi Singh graced the occasion. The palpable enthusiasm among the attendees epitomized the collective endeavor to facilitate breastfeeding and nurture health.
Rama Medical College's commitment to nurturing infant health and empowering mothers through breastfeeding has left an indelible mark. The event echoed the resounding message: "Let's all join hands to make breastfeeding easier, thus reducing healthcare costs and generating economic gains for families and the nation."
