JAMMU, Aug 1: Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, on Saturday inaugurated World Breastfeeding Week 2026, which will be observed from 1st to 7th August, with the objective of creating awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for ensuring the health and well-being of both infants and mothers.
The programme is being organised under the theme “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together – Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support,” highlighting the collective responsibility of healthcare professionals, families and communities in promoting optimal breastfeeding practices.
Senior Consultant Gynaecologist Dr. Rajni Gupta said that breast milk is the first and most complete food for a newborn and should be initiated immediately after birth. She explained that a mother’s milk contains essential antibodies, nutrients and protective factors that help strengthen a baby’s immune system, protect against infections and diseases, promote healthy growth and development, and provide the best possible start to life.
further urged mothers and families to ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by health experts. She stated that breastfeeding not only improves a child’s immunity and nutritional status but also benefits mothers by reducing the risk of several illnesses while strengthening the emotional bond between mother and baby.
The week-long programme includes awareness lectures, counselling sessions, expert talks, educational activities, poster competitions and prize distribution, aimed at educating expectant and new mothers about the significance and long-term benefits of breastfeeding.
Hospital staff, healthcare workers, nursing officers, ASHA workers, pregnant women and lactating mothers participated enthusiastically in the inaugural programme and pledged to spread awareness about the life-saving benefits of breastfeeding in the community.