The Department of Community Medicine, Varun Arjun Medical College & Rohilkhand Hospital, Banthra, successfully observed World Breastfeeding Week 2026 from August 1 to August 7 with a series of awareness, educational, and community outreach activities aimed at promoting the importance of breastfeeding among mothers and the general public.
The week-long programme was organized under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Dharmendra Kumar Gupta, Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, with Dr. Mohammad Intekhab Alam Chand serving as the overall moderator. The observance was conducted in line with the global theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
The celebrations commenced on August 1 at the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), where health awareness sessions and interactive talks on breastfeeding were conducted by interns, postgraduate residents, Dr. Hittika, and Dr. Aditya. A similar awareness programme was successfully organized at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) on August 3, led by interns, PGs, Dr. Arnav, and Dr. Yogesh, emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding, early initiation, and continued breastfeeding practices.
On August 4, a video tribute on breastfeeding was screened in the patient waiting area under the coordination of Dr. Vinayak, while Dr. Waqar supervised the activity. The audiovisual presentation effectively educated patients and attendants regarding the health, nutritional, and emotional benefits of breastfeeding.
A seminar on breastfeeding was organized in the Department of Community Medicine on August 5 using the chalk-and-blackboard mode. The seminar was delivered by Dr. Danish and moderated by Dr. Ajay. The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from postgraduate students, interns, and faculty members, fostering meaningful academic discussions on breastfeeding promotion, maternal nutrition, and infant health.
The week concluded on August 7 with a poster presentation competition in the patient waiting area. The posters, presented by interns and moderated by Dr. Purva, highlighted various aspects of breastfeeding, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, complementary feeding, and the role of family and healthcare workers in supporting breastfeeding mothers. The posters received positive appreciation from patients, attendants, and faculty members.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Dharmendra Kumar Gupta appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and emphasized that breastfeeding remains one of the most effective public health interventions for ensuring optimal child survival, growth, and development. He encouraged healthcare professionals to continue spreading awareness and supporting mothers in adopting recommended breastfeeding practices.
The successful observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2026 reflected the department’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child health services through community education, academic engagement, and evidence-based health promotion initiatives. The programme concluded with active participation from faculty members, postgraduate students, interns, and healthcare workers, making the campaign both informative and impactful.