Departments of Pediatrics and Community Medicine Host Comprehensive Breastfeeding Awareness Initiatives
The Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Community Medicine successfully organized a multifaceted awareness campaign on 06 August 2026, marking the sixth day of World Breastfeeding Week 2026. The series of events aimed to strengthen institutional and community knowledge regarding the vital importance of breastfeeding for infant health and maternal well-being. By integrating clinical education with community outreach and competitive assessments, the initiative provided a holistic approach to promoting best practices in neonatal nutrition.
The primary event took place at the Pediatric Outpatient Department where Dr. Ramesh M, Dr. Sahana Devadas, and Dr. Priya conducted comprehensive educational sessions for mothers and family members. The curriculum focused on the necessity of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, the importance of timely initiation, and the benefits of continued breastfeeding. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the role of family support and practical strategies for addressing common breastfeeding challenges. To enhance engagement, nursing students performed a thematic skit that effectively communicated these essential messages to the attending audience.
Simultaneously, the outreach wing of the program extended its reach to the Abbigere Primary Health Centre. In a collaborative effort between Dr. Sindhu from the Department of Community Medicine and Dr. Mamatha from the Department of Pediatrics, a specialized program was held for families attending the immunization clinic. This community outreach included personalized breastfeeding counseling, health education, and interactive discussions. The nursing students again utilized performance art to bridge communication gaps and promote healthy practices within the local community. Additionally, Dr. Sindhu organized a quiz competition for Asha workers to evaluate and reward their knowledge, recognizing their critical role as frontline health advocates.
The internal professional development of healthcare providers was also a key focus of the day. A preliminary round of the Breastfeeding Quiz Competition was held for the nursing staff at the BGS Medical College and Hospital. Conducted by Dr. Ramesh M, Dr. Supreeth Prasad N R, and Dr. Srushty S, the assessment covered technical topics such as lactation management, the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, and complex counseling scenarios. The top five teams were selected to advance, ensuring that the nursing staff remains at the forefront of clinical expertise and patient education.
The success of the day was attributed to the collaborative efforts of various hospital departments and nursing leadership. Notable contributors included Dr. Ramesh M, Professor and Head of Department, alongside Professor Sahana Devadas and the broader pediatric faculty. The coordination was further supported by Nursing Superintendent Mr. Anand and faculty members from the College of Nursing, including Mrs. Yashshwini, Mrs. Kavitha, and Mrs. Lalitha. Through these coordinated activities, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to improving public health outcomes through education and proactive community engagement.
