Patna: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna observed World Breastfeeding Week 2026 with a week-long series of awareness programmes, educational activities and public outreach initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare.
Organised under the global theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” the campaign was jointly conducted by the Departments of Neonatology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and the College of Nursing, with participation from doctors, nursing professionals, students and support staff.
Campaign Focused on Exclusive Breastfeeding
The celebrations began with an inaugural programme promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding in line with the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) guidelines.
As part of the campaign, AIIMS Patna organised poster and slogan competitions for MBBS students, nursing students, nursing officers and other healthcare personnel.
Educational handouts explaining the Ten Steps of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) were displayed across the OPD and IPD areas of the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Neonatology to spread awareness among patients and caregivers.
Awareness Rally Marks Grand Finale
The week-long programme concluded on August 7 with a large awareness rally led by Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Patna.
The rally was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Punam Prasad Bhadani, Dean (Academics); Prof. Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh, Medical Superintendent; Dr. Bhabesh Kant Choudhary, Head of Neonatology; Dr. Chandra Mohan Kumar, Head of Paediatrics; Dr. Mukta Agarwal, Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Lima P.G.; Nursing Superintendent Mrs. Sindhu Dev; Nursing Superintendent and In-charge of Lactation Counselling Services Mrs. Soundira Pradeepa G.; nursing faculty members, healthcare workers, lactation counsellors, students and housekeeping staff.
Following the rally, expectant and new mothers, along with their family members, received counselling in the outpatient departments on the nutritional, emotional and health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony honouring the winners of the poster and slogan competitions.
AIIMS Patna Aims to Become a Fully Baby-Friendly Hospital
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal said AIIMS Patna is committed to becoming a fully Baby-Friendly Hospital by strengthening evidence-based breastfeeding practices and maternal healthcare services.
Dean (Academics) Prof. (Dr.) Punam Prasad Bhadani highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in promoting successful breastfeeding practices and improving neonatal outcomes.
Comprehensive Lactation Support Strengthened
AIIMS Patna said it continues to strengthen lactation support as part of its implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and Respectful Maternity Care (RMC).
The institute’s breastfeeding support services include:
- Antenatal breastfeeding counselling
- Early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth
- Guidance on correct positioning and attachment
- Discouraging prelacteal feeds
- Management of breastfeeding challenges
- Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
- Post-discharge telephonic follow-up to support continued breastfeeding
The Nursing Department also highlighted employee-friendly initiatives designed to support working mothers and promote breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
