World Breastfeeding Week is being observed from August 1 to 7 across India, with awareness programmes organised at the Shulkapura Rural Health Centre in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district to educate mothers about the importance of breastfeeding for infant and maternal health.
Healthcare workers and medical professionals in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, marked World Breastfeeding Week by conducting awareness programmes aimed at encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and improving maternal and child health. The annual campaign, supported globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, is observed from August 1 to 7.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
World Breastfeeding Week is being observed from August 1 to 7.
Awareness programmes were held at Shulkapura Rural Health Centre in Jalpaiguri.
Healthcare workers educated mothers on the importance of breastfeeding.
The campaign is supported globally by WHO and UNICEF.
The Indian Medical Association also organised awareness activities at Jalpaiguri Hospital.
As part of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, awareness programmes were organised at the Shulkapura Rural Health Centre in Nagrakata Block, a tribal-dominated region of Jalpaiguri district, to educate mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Observed every year from August 1 to August 7, the global campaign seeks to promote breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways to ensure the health, nutrition and development of infants. Since 1992, the initiative has been supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
During the programme, nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and healthcare workers interacted with local mothers, explaining the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in reducing infant mortality, improving nutrition and strengthening immunity during the early months of life. Awareness campaigns help ensure that mothers receive accurate information and support to adopt recommended breastfeeding practices, contributing to better public health outcomes.
Nurse Sonali Samanta addressed participating mothers, highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers and encouraging families to support new mothers in following recommended breastfeeding practices.
The observance was also marked by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) at Jalpaiguri Hospital, where healthcare professionals organised activities to spread awareness about maternal and child nutrition.