Dept of Community Medicine Observes World Breastfeeding Week
The Department of Community Medicine of the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in association with Department of Paediatrics observed the World Breastfeeding Week 2023 in order to create a sustained awareness campaign and especially for the working women as the theme of this year emphasizes breastfeeding in case of working women.
AUGUST 2:
On the Day-II of the World Breastfeeding Week 2023 Department of Community Medicine organized a poster presentation at the Immunization Clinic by the Interns followed by awareness generation about hand hygiene, continuation of breastfeeding and milk storage techniques among working mothers. This was hosted by Dr. Geetachand Acharya, Assistant Professor and in-charge of Immunization Clinic at KIMS.
AUGUST 3:
The Day-III of the World Breastfeeding Week 2023 was observed by the Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) at Harekrushna Nagar slum area under the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC). An awareness talk was conducted at the Anganwadi centre which was attended by antenatal women of the slum area. Dr Alpana Mishra, Associate Professor, gave a talk highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding and enumerating its techniques.
Dr. Krishna Mishra, Assistant Professor and in-charge of UHTC, gave a talk emphasizing on breastfeeding in working women which aligns with the theme of the World Breastfeeding Week 2023. She also explained the methods of storage and use of expressed breast milk.
This was followed by a short rally by the antenatal women to create awareness on the importance of breastfeeding among the people residing in the Harekrushna Nagar Basti. The rally was flagged by Dr Krishna Mishra and started from Anganwadi centre. The faculties, PGs and Interns also joined the rally along with the antenatal women.
AUGUST 4:
On the fourth day on August 4 an awareness talk was conducted at UHTC, KIMS chaired by Prof (Dr.) B. K. Behera, Prof & HoD and guest speaker Dr. Sushree Smita Behura, Asst. Professor, Dept of Paediatrics, KIMS. Associate Prof Dr. Alpana Mishra and Associate Prof. Dr S Suneeti Kanyari from Department of Community Medicine spoke. The event was hosted by Dr. Krishna Mishra Asst. Professor and UHTC in-charge, and attended by breastfeeding mothers of the UHTC slum area.
HoD Prof. (Dr) BK Behera welcomed all the mothers and initiated the talk highlighting the importance of breastfeeding. Dr. Alpana Mishra gave an elaborate talk on the benefits of breastfeeding. Dr. S Suneeti Kanyari briefed about ways of breastfeeding in working mothers. Dr. Susree Smita Behura gave a talk emphasizing on the techniques of breastfeeding and breastfeeding in specific health conditions.
This was followed by an interactive session between mothers and the speakers. The event was concluded with vote of thanks from the host Dr. Krishna Mishra.
AUGUST 5:
On August 5 a “nukkad’’ play was organised in the slum of Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), Niladri Vihar based on the theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2023 – “Let’s make breastfeeding and work”. The PG students and interns of the Department participated in the play organised by Dr. Krishna Mishra, Asst. Professor and in-charge, UHTC. This was attended by the people of the slum area. The faculties of Dept of Community Medicine also attended the play to encourage the participants. The “nukkad’’ play concluded by giving a strong message to mothers and families regarding breastfeeding and its role in reducing malnutrition.