On 9 August 2024, the School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, successfully organized a seminar celebrating World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, 1-7 August, under the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” The seminar brought together distinguished professionals and academics who illuminated the importance of breastfeeding support and shared best practices.
Dr. Ajitha Katta, Associate Professor and the program convenor, outlined the seminar’s objectives and reviewed the history of breastfeeding awareness, noting that the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) was established in 1991 and that World Breastfeeding Week has been observed globally since 1992. Dr Ajitha also highlighted how breastfeeding supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), by providing essential nutrients for infant growth and development.
Prof. Geeta K Vemuganti, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, delivered the introductory remarks, highlighting the University of Hyderabad’s commitment to public health, particularly in maternal and child health. The program was inaugurated and presided over by honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof BJ Rao. He highlighted that breastfeeding is beneficial not only to the child but also to the mother as well. He also said that breastfeeding enhances cognitive development, strengthens the immune system in infants, and fosters a deep emotional bond between the mother and the child. He underscored the importance of discussing breastfeeding and its impact on community health, affirming that the University of Hyderabad consistently upholds national priorities and global standards. In this context, he stressed that this global initiative should be effectively extended to reach Indian communities, thereby contributing to the broader objective of improving public health outcomes.
He appreciated the efforts in conducting this event and also encouraged the School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, to continue it every year. The chief guests for the event were Dr. Santhosh Kumar K, founder of Dhaatri Mother’s Milk Bank, and Dr. Pooja Shenoy from Fernandez Hospital.
Dr. Santhosh Kumar K is the founder of Dhaatri Mother’s Milk Bank, Telangana’s first human milk bank, an initiative by Sushena Health Foundation that promotes early and exclusive breastfeeding by counseling, training, and treating mothers. Also, a member of the National Medical Council and a pioneering figure in public health, he delivered an insightful presentation on the role of milk bank in supporting breastfeeding across the country. Dr. Santhosh Kumar’s address underscored the importance of early and exclusive breastfeeding and provided a comprehensive overview of the work being done by the Dhaatri Mother’s Milk Bank, which he founded.
Dr. Pooja Shenoy heads the Doula Support Services at the Fernandez Foundation and is teaching faculty in the recently launched Birth Care Practitioner (Birth Doula) Certificate Course being offered by the UoH in collaboration with the Fernandez Foundation. She delivered a keynote talk on ‘Best Hospital Practices in Breastfeeding’ and ‘Working Mothers and Breastfeeding.’ Dr. Shenoy shared her extensive experience in implementing successful breastfeeding programs within hospital settings and discussed strategies to support working mothers in continuing to breastfeed.
The seminar continued with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Anitha, CT, Associate Professor from the School of Medical Sciences. The panel included esteemed members: Dr. Rajasree, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Hyderabad, Dr. Aparna Rayaprol, Professor, School of Social Sciences, Dr. G. Sridevi, Professor, School of Economics, and Dr. Ajailiu N, Professor, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy along with Dr. Santhosh Kumar and Dr. Pooja Shenoy. In the panel discussion, Dr. Aparna Rayaprol brought a feminist approach. She expressed that breastfeeding awareness programs should happen in gender-neutral spaces as there is a need to educate and sensitize men about breastfeeding in our patriarchal society, offering a sociological perspective. Dr Sridevi highlighted women’s health’s vital role in family labour and institutional-level employment, stressing their significant economic contributions. The panellists engaged in a lively discussion on the challenges and opportunities in promoting breastfeeding support, particularly in low-resource settings.
The event also featured a poster-making competition that attracted creative and informative submissions from students across the university. The winning posters were displayed during a tour led by the seminar organizers, and prizes were awarded to the top entries.
Vineela Barmala, PhD scholar of Public Health at the School of Medical Sciences, moderated the event with support from other scholars who coordinated to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for all participants.
The seminar was a resounding success. It offered valuable insights and facilitated a deeper understanding of the importance of breastfeeding support in achieving better health outcomes for mothers and infants alike.