World Breastfeeding Week observance begins
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 01 2025: The annual World Breast-feeding Week 2025 officially commenced, with an inaugural function held at the General OPD Complex of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, on Friday.

The observance function was organised by RIMS in collaboration with Breastfeeding Promotion Alliance of Manipur (BPAM) under the theme "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems" .

Mention may be made that World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) coordinated World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.

Since 1992, WBW is being observed annually, in the first week of August in commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration signed in August 1990 by government policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organisations to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, RIMS director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma highlighted the importance of the guidelines of observing the week.

World Breastfeeding Week observance begins

Despite the guidelines, global rate of exclusive breastfeeding remained suboptimal often due to inadequate support system.

He said that RIMS is not only healthcare providers but a community builder.

Stating that mothers should not be the only ones to be educated and empowered regarding breastfeeding, he said that fathers, employers, policy makers and society at large should also be educated to ensure that the mothers get time, space and encouragement for breastfeeding.

It is necessary to look beyond awareness and towards action, the director asserted.

He continued that commitment should be made to strengthen hospital base lactation, support services, encouraging baby friendly practices in all healthcare facilities, promoting maternity protection in work place, building peer support network within communities and using platform for public awareness system.

Appreciation should also be given to the frontline healthcare workers for providing support to breastfeeding, Dr Sunil Kumar emphasised.

The director stated that every drop of breast milk is a gift of life, of dignity and of connection, and with every support, a breastfeeding mother is an investment to a healthier future.

He then urged to build a society where breastfeeding is not only encouraged but made easier, accepted and celebrated.

In his address, IPR director Ng Uttam Singh stressed on the importance of appreciating nature's gift, stating that obstructing the course of na ture has led to many unwanted events.

He said that even though science has advanced discussion on whether science is a boon or a curse has been an on-going issue.

The impact of advancement in science depends on the choices humans make regarding its application and the ethical frameworks that guide its development and use, he added.

Uttam further said with the advancement in scientific technology, inappropriate application of Caesarean section (c-section) may be a blunder to natural course.

It should be used for critical conditions to save the life of the mother and child, and should not be applied according to the convenience of time of delivery.

Likewise, most of the lactating mothers avoid breastfeeding and resort to feeding the baby with store-bought milk supplements considering their convenience.

Nutrients that are found in the breast milk may not be in the store-bought milk.

It is a form of crime committed to the baby, he opined.

Highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding, the IPR director said that breastfeeding strengthens the bond of mother and child and improves overall health of the baby.

He then urged the mothers to follow nature's course, except in extraordinary cases, and to breastfed for at least six months for the betterment of the health of both mother and baby.

As part of the observance, stalls highlighting the importance of breastfeeding were exhibited by the students of College of Nursing, RIMS.

The weeklong observance will comprise events at various places, namely UCON, Yairipok; Mother's Care & Children Hospital, Sagolband; Shija Hospitals, Langol; Jivan Hospital, Kakching; Raj Medicity, North AOC; Acme Fertility and Healthcare, Palace Compound; and Babina Hospital, Sajiwa.

The inaugural function was attended by RIMS MS Prof N Sanjib Singh and BPAM secretary Dr James Elangbam as president and guest of honour respectively.

The function was also attended by RIMS Obstetrics & Gynaecology Prof Ch Pritamkumar Singh, RIMS College of Nursing principal A Debjani Devi, and heads of departments of the institute along with faculty members, students and staff of the College.