Infant mortality rate in state stands at 4: Dr Chambo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 12 2025: Held under the theme "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems", Breastfeeding Week 2025 was inaugurated on Tuesday at the IMA Hall, Lamphelpat, under the joint initiative of Directorate of Health Services and State Health Society, NHM.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei highlighted that the programme was organised to raise public awareness on breastfeeding, which is essential to nurture and care for the children.

He explained that a mother should exclusively breastfeed her child for the first six months, as breast milk contains all the essential nutrients a baby requires.

Infant mortality rate in state stands at 4: Dr Chambo

In the state, it is common for children to be given solid foods before reaching six months of age, which, he said, is not advisable.

The director maintained that mother's milk alone is sufficient to meet a baby's nutritional needs during this period.

An exclusively breastfed child, he added, tends to be physically stronger and develops a healthier immune system.

Dr Chambo further stated that immediately after childbirth, the first milk produced during breastfeeding, known as 'colostrum', should be given to the new-born.

Colostrum contains antibodies, proteins, and vital nutrients, and while some mistakenly consider it harmful and discard it, this belief is false and should be avoided.

He added that only after six months of exclusive breastfeeding should supplementary foods be introduced gradually.

Nevertheless, breastfeeding should continue alongside these foods until the child reaches two years of age, he advised.

On the other hand, the Health director noted that Manipur's infant mortality rate (IMR) stands at 4, meaning that, on average, four out of every 1,000 new-borns in the state die before reaching their first birthday in a givefl year.

The IMR in many other states is comparatively higher, he said, attributing Manipur's low IMR to the practice of keeping the newborn and mother together in a clean environment, a tradition widely followed in the state.

Presided over by Family Welfare Services director Dr N Hemantakumar, the function was also attended by Health Services additional director Dr Ningthoujam Bino as guest of honour.

Gifts were presented to lactating mothers on the occasion.

Paediatrician Dr Kh John also delivered a talk on proper breastfeeding practices.