World Breastfeeding Week launched in Kamrup Metro to promote infant nutrition and maternal health

World Breastfeeding Week was launched across Kamrup Metropolitan district on Saturday, Aug 1, with a pledge to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and ensure optimal nutrition for newborns from the earliest stages of life.

The week-long observance, which runs from August 1 to 7, was inaugurated at the Satgaon State Ayushman Arogya Mandir by Dr Sanjeev Kumar Saikia, Joint Director of Health Services, Kamrup Metro.

Observed annually across Assam, World Breastfeeding Week aims to educate mothers and families about the benefits of breastfeeding, provide guidance and support to lactating mothers, and promote healthy infant feeding practices.

The inaugural programme was attended by Dr Bhabendra Kumar Das, District Immunisation Officer (DIO); Dr Dhruba Rajbangshi, In-charge SDM&HO, Satgaon State Ayushman Arogya Mandir; Dr Karobee Hazarika, District Nodal Officer (AYUSH); officials from the National Health Mission, including the District Programme Manager (DPM), District Media Expert (DME) and District Community Mobiliser (DCM), along with doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and pregnant and lactating mothers.

Health officials said a series of awareness programmes will be organised throughout the week at health institutions across the district. These will include breastfeeding awareness meetings, health education sessions, counselling for pregnant and lactating mothers, interactive discussions, and the distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.

The initiative is aimed at encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, improving awareness on optimal infant nutrition, and strengthening maternal and child healthcare services across Kamrup Metro.