Department of Community Medicine Conducts World Breastfeeding Week Awareness Programme at Soluru Kote Anganwadi Kendra
The Department of Community Medicine at BGS Medical College and Hospital recently spearheaded a significant public health initiative at the Soluru Kote Anganwadi Kendra on 6th August 2026 to mark the global observance of World Breastfeeding Week. Under the institutional ethos of Jai Shree Gurudev, the outreach programme was designed to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and community practice, focusing on the critical role that breastfeeding plays in early childhood development and maternal health.
The awareness session was led by Dr. R. Preeti, a Senior Resident in the Department of Community Medicine, who provided comprehensive health education to an audience of thirty beneficiaries. The participant group was diverse, including not only nursing mothers but also fathers and grandmothers, reflecting a holistic approach to community health that recognizes the importance of a supportive family environment. The presence of the Anganwadi teacher, Lady Health Visitors, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and ASHA workers ensured that the local healthcare infrastructure was fully integrated into the days activities.
During the educational session, Dr. Preeti emphasized the vital importance of early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and the practice of skin to skin contact. The curriculum covered essential topics such as exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding thereafter, and the benefits of continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond. The technical aspects of infant nutrition were also addressed, including proper positioning and attachment techniques, recognizing early hunger cues, and ensuring breast milk adequacy.
To enhance engagement and facilitate understanding, the organizers utilized a variety of instructional tools including digital presentations, infographics, and culturally resonant jingles in the local Kannada language. These methods helped to demystify common breastfeeding myths and provided clear actionable advice for the families in attendance. The session concluded with an interactive question and answer segment where specific concerns regarding infant feeding were addressed by the medical team.
By advocating for rooming in and continuous mother baby contact, the Department of Community Medicine underscored the necessity of robust family and community support systems. This initiative serves as a testament to the institutions commitment to improving public health outcomes and fostering healthy infant growth and development within the Soluru region. The collaborative effort between the medical department and the Public Relations Office team highlights the ongoing mission to provide quality healthcare education to the grassroots level.
