HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Aug 8: In observance of World Breastfeeding Week, the Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP), Tezpur Branch, in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Tezpur, organised an awareness meeting at the IMA Conference Hall, Tezpur, on Thursday.
The theme of the event was “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, with the slogan “Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future”.
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Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shyama Saikia emphasised the vital role of breastfeeding in ensuring a child’s health and future.
“Breast milk is not just food, it is the first vaccine a child receives,” he said.
Dr Saikia stressed the importance of family and institutional support in empowering mothers to continue exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months.
Child specialist Dr Rupam Das highlighted the need for public health systems to be more responsive.
“Creating sustainable support systems means having policies, workplaces, and communities that stand by mothers at every stage,” he added.
Taking part in the discussion, Dr Ranjan Kr Mahanta underlined the economic and social impact of investing in breastfeeding.
Elaborating on its importance, Dr Mahanta said, “Every rupee invested in breastfeeding brings manifold returns in terms of reduced healthcare costs and improved lifelong health.”
Principal of the Nursing School, Nirmala Pradhan, praised the students’ engagement, calling it a reflection of the next generation’s commitment to maternal and child health.
Dr Dwipen Kr Mahanta, President of IMA Tezpur, and Dr Rahimuddin Ahmed, Secretary of IMA Tezpur, also addressed the gathering.
They reiterated the need for continued collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers to ensure breastfeeding remains a top public health priority.
During the programme, an essay writing competition was also organised among the nursing students, drawing participation from nearly 50 students.
The top three winners were awarded certificates and cash prizes for their insightful essays reflecting the theme of the week.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from IMA members and nearly all the nursing students of the School of Nursing, Kanaklata Civil Hospital, Tezpur, and concluded with a call to action for communities and institutions to create inclusive environments where mothers feel supported and empowered to breastfeed.
