SHILLONG: The Community Food and Nutrition Extension Unit, Ministry of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, on Tuesday observed the ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ at the Directorate of Social Welfare, Shillong.
The inaugural function and one-day State level symposium was held with the theme “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together’’.
Speaking on the occasion, Director of Social Welfare Department, H M Shangpliang said young women should be given proper counselling on the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits for the newborn.
Due to lack of such knowledge, Infant Mortality Rate has been increasing, he added.
He further called for a united and concentrated effort to help infant and mothers achieve optimal health and wellness
“Women should not shy away from breastfeeding and must cultivate the age-old practice for the betterment of the young ones. Besides breastfeeding the young ones, lactating mother should be given proper nutrition supplements,” Shangpliang added.
It may be mentioned that the breastfeeding week is organised every year across the globe from August 1-7 with an objective to inform people about the necessity of breastfeeding.