World Breastfeeding Week observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 06 2025: Breastfeeding Promotion Alliance of Manipur (BPAM) in coordination with ACME 'Fertility & Healthcare Centre observed World Breastfeeding Week on the theme 'Prioritise breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems' at the centre's Palace Compound premises on Wednesday.

The observance was attended by BPAM secretary Dr James Elangbam as chief guest, ACME medical superintendent Dr Mrinalini Konjengbam as functional president and ACME principal Ningombam Nalinibala and TNAI immediate past secretary Th Binodini as guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, RIMS Paediatric Department associate professor Dr Ch Smilie explained that as breastfeeding can prevent many diseases including cancer, new born babies must be breastfed from within one hour of birth till six months.

Likening mother's milk to sacred drink for infants, she said: "During the breastfeeding period, infants should not be given even water so as to aid brain development, keep the infant healthy and could even prevent chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart diseases" .

According to Dr Smilie, mortality of rate of infants within one month of birth in the country is around five lakh as per data provided by SRS in 2020, seven lakh for infants within one year and eight lakh for infants within five years of age.

The data also mentions improper breastfeeding is related with two third of the mortality, she said and stressed the need for creating widespread awareness on the importance of breastfeeding.

Apart of the observance, a painting competition on breastfeeding for students of ACME College of Nursing was also conducted with the winners presented prizes.

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