The World Breastfeeding Week 2024 celebration at AVMCH, Puducherry, was held from August 1st to 7th. Organized by the Department of Pediatrics in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Pondicherry, the event focused on “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” The week began on August 1st with an inauguration featuring the lighting of the Kuthuvilakku by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Arunachalam, Professor and HOD of Community Medicine; Dr. S. Deepa, Professor and HOD of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. Sheela Kuruvila, Professor and HOD of Dermatology; and Mrs. Justine Mary, Nursing Superintendent. Dr. M. Mathivanan, Professor and HOD of Pediatrics, delivered a welcome speech underscoring the importance of breastfeeding.
On August 2nd, the program included a poster presentation in the morning and an undergraduate quiz in the afternoon. The following day, August 3rd, featured a postgraduate quiz, while August 4th saw an awareness talk on breastfeeding held at the postnatal ward. The highlight of August 5th was a guest lecture by Dr. Piyush Gupta, focusing on “Infant and Young Child Feeding.” This was well-received by nursing faculty, students, and postgraduates from the Departments of Pediatrics and Community Medicine.
The event continued on August 6th with a community talk on breastfeeding at the Ariyankuppam Primary Health Center, guided by Dr. K. Suvadha, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Akshay K. Babu, Senior Resident from the Department of Pediatrics’. The celebration concluded on August 7th with a comprehensive CME program at the Multipurpose Hall. This included talks by Dr. B. Vishnu Bhat, Former Director of Medical Research, on “Newborn Nutrition”; Dr. K. Karthikeyan on “Approach to Not Enough Milk Production”; Dr. B. Adhisivam on “Human Milk Banking”; and Dr. Tiroumourougane Serane, Consultant Pediatrician at Dr. AG Padmavathi Hospital, on “Breastfeeding Myths Busted.”
The week was attended by around 75 participants, including healthcare professionals, students, and community members. The activities included engaging discussions, competitions, and educational sessions, culminating in a valedictory function where winners were recognized, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Chandru Bhaskar, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, followed by the National Anthem.
Awareness Talks
