World Breastfeeding Week 2018 concludes, benefits of breast milk stressed
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, August 07 2018:
Education, Labour & Employment Minister Thokchom Radheshyam conveyed that breast milk is the foundation for healthy mind and body of a person.
He said colostrum, the first form of milk is the core requirement for the healthy growth of a baby.
The Minister was speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of the week-long celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2018 under the theme 'Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life' at Umang Laikol, Heirok, organised by the Breastfeeding Promotion Alliance of Manipur (BPAM).
The Minister said World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated across the globe to create mass awareness on the importance of breastfeeding among women who are mothers and will become a mother one day.
The closing ceremony was also attended by many renowned specialist and doctors.
Th Radheshyam said that people had requested the closing ceremony to be held at Heirok AC for the welfare of localities so that they could get a chance to meet and get acquainted with the renowned doctors of the State.
Advisor BPAM, Dr Ksh Chourjit said with the change in lifestyle there is a great decline in the rate of mother breastfeeding their child while adding that it is quite unfortunate that only one in every five women breastfeed their child.
Research and studies on importance of breastfeeding shows that babies who are exclusively breast-fed for the first six months are less likely to develop ear infections, respiratory illnesses to even prevent diarrhoea etc, he added.
JNIMS, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Dr N Kameshore said breast milk helps in keeping the baby in good health as it is the most secured food for the newborn.
The milk also provides all the necessary nutrients to the baby in right proportions.
Secretary BPAM, Dr Kh Ranjana Devi, while highlighting the cr�che facility under Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017, urged the Minister to take up the initiative at the establishment which has 50 or more female employees.
The closing ceremony was attended by dignitaries, ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers, teachers, students and locals.