Haryana to observe World Breast Feeding Week

Chandigarh, July 31 (UNI) Haryana Women and Child Development Department has decided to organise a number of activities to mark World Breast Feeding Week from August 1 to 7 so as to educate women about the significance of breast feeding.

Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Kartar Devi said the theme of the Breast Feeding Week is 'Breast Feeding: The Ist Hour Save One Million Babies.' She said that as many as 16.359 Anganwadi workers functioning in the state would educate the people about the significance of breast feeding during first hour of birth as it helps in protecting the infants from infection and provides them nutrition.

''This milk is more beneficial for underweight infants and can save many precious lives. It has been revealed that in case all women start breast feeding their infants within an hour of their birth, one million deaths can be saved out of four million new born in the world,'' she said.

In India, out of 11 lakh new born, 2.50 lakh deaths could be avoided by feeding them within an hour of their birth.

The actities planned by the Department for the week, she said included day long workshop at district level for Child Development Project Officers, Chief Medical Officers, Medical Officers and Supervisors.

Also, an orientation workshop would be held at block level for all Anganwadi workers.

The other activities to be conducted at the block level would include slogan writing competition for Anganwadi workers and helpers, nutrition quiz for workers and demonstration on home made infant foods.

UNI