An awareness rally taken out at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) marked the launch of a series of awareness activities as part of World Breastfeeding Week 2026.

The theme for WBW 2026 is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

The programme is being organized by the Nursing Department, College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Departments of Neonatology, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jipmer from August 1 to 7.

The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from nursing officers, faculty members, nursing students, and healthcare professionals, who carried placards and disseminated key messages highlighting the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding with appropriate complimentary feeding, thereby promoting optimal maternal and child health.

Saga Vinodkumar, medical superintendent, Jipmer and B. Adhisivam, professor, Department of Neonatology, emphasised that breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for infants, protects them against infections, supports healthy growth and development, and offers long-term health benefits for both mother and child.

They also highlighted the need for collective efforts from healthcare providers, families, and the community to create a supportive environment that enables every mother to breastfeed successfully.

The week-long celebration will feature a series of educational and awareness activities, including health education sessions for the public and postnatal mothers, poster and rangoli competitions, role plays, open-house discussions, folk awareness programmes, quiz competition for nurses, postgraduate seminars and other interactive programmes to reinforce the importance of breastfeeding.