World Breastfeeding Week: Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Awareness Camp Organized by AMU in Mirzapur Siva Village
TNN News : The Department of Niswan wa Qabalat (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College (AKTC), Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, in collaboration with the Department of Social Work and Dawakhana Tibbiya College, organised a free medical and health awareness camp for women on August 4, 2025, at Mirzapur Siva village, Aligarh, as part of the observance of World Breastfeeding Week.
The event commenced with a comprehensive awareness session led by doctors from the Department of Niswan wa Qabalat, addressing expectant and lactating mothers along with their attendants. The session focused on the critical importance of breastfeeding, highlighting its role in enhancing infant immunity, fostering emotional bonding, and supporting healthy development. The experts emphasised the significance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the importance of initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, irrespective of the mode of delivery—vaginal or caesarean.
The camp was inaugurated by Prof. Suboohi Mustafa, Chairperson of the Department, who underscored the importance of raising awareness about breastfeeding and dispelling the myths and misinformation surrounding it. Dr. Fahmeeda Zeenat and Dr. Abiha Ahmad Khan, faculty members of the department, welcomed the attendees and reiterated the scientific and emotional value of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants.
The Department of Social Work played a key role in mobilising marginalised women from the community and ensuring their active participation in the camp. Faculty members, including Dr. Mohd. Tahir, Dr. Mohd. Arif Khan, Dr. Shyna Saif, and Dr. Mohd. Uzair, facilitated outreach and community engagement with rich insights and their extensive outreach experience.
The inaugural session was followed by personalised consultation and counselling by a dedicated team of postgraduate doctors. The Dawakhana Tibbiya College extended vital support by providing free Unani medicines for women’s health, including haematinics, uterine tonics, and remedies for common ailments such as colds and coughs.
Practical demonstrations using visual aids were conducted to teach correct latching techniques and breastfeeding positions, particularly for mothers recovering from C-sections. Attendees received valuable guidance on increasing milk production naturally through adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, and frequent nursing. The session effectively addressed and corrected several common myths surrounding breastfeeding, empowering mothers with evidence-based knowledge to make informed decisions.
Following the awareness session, free gynaecological and obstetric health check-ups were provided to over 150 women. Personalised consultations and prescriptions were offered, along with the distribution of Unani and allopathic supplements such as iron, calcium, multivitamins, and protein powders.
The camp was coordinated by Dr. Fahmeeda Zeenat, who reaffirmed the department’s sustained commitment to community health outreach. She emphasised the mission to bridge gaps in women’s healthcare by offering free, quality, and accessible services.
This initiative marks AMU’s commitment toward improving maternal and child health, equipping women with essential knowledge and support, and nurturing a healthier and more informed community.
