World Breastfeeding Week Celebrated with Community Outreach and Awareness Activities at JNMC, AMU
TNN News : The Department of Community Medicine, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, observed World Breastfeeding Week with a series of impactful community-based activities, under the guidance of Prof. Uzma Eram, Chairperson, and Dr. Ali Jafar Abedi, In-charge, Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC). The theme for the celebration was “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support.”
Multiple events were conducted to promote awareness about breastfeeding, including focus group discussions, health talks, creative competitions, community engagement, and training sessions. A team of faculty members and junior doctors, including Dr. Iram Abid, Dr.Suboohi Afzal, Dr. Al Faateh, Dr. Ilma Kuraishy, Dr. Surya, Dr. Riya, Dr.Urfi, Dr. Chelsea, Dr. Ameer, and Dr.Sreelakshmi, played key roles in delivering these sessions across various outreach sites including UHTC, Urban Health Post, Anganwadi Centres, and Panjipur village.
Activities included an interactive focus group discussion with mothers and caregivers, health talks addressing local myths and scientific facts about breastfeeding, and a practical demonstration on proper breastfeeding techniques. A poster-making competition saw enthusiastic participation by interns, with Dr.Iffat Sabreen and Dr. Hansika Saxena securing first place, and Dr. Fawwaz Tabish and Dr. Imtiyaz Ansari awarded second place. The entries were judged by Prof. Uzma Eram and Dr.Suboohi Afzal.
A creative skit presented by junior residents and interns highlighted breastfeeding myths and realities, while three mothers who exclusively breastfed their children were felicitated for their dedication. A training session was also conducted for ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers, enhancing grassroots-level awareness and capacity.
Later, the week concluded with a closing event in presence of Prof. Uzma Eram, Prof. Athar Ansari, Dr. Ali Jafar Abedi, Dr. Urfi, and Dr. Suboohi Afzal. Dr. Chelsea delivered a vote of thanks.
