Greater Noida, August 18 2026: The Department of Community Medicine at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS), Greater Noida, observed World Breastfeeding Week 2026 through a series of academic and community-based activities aimed at promoting awareness about breastfeeding among pregnant women, mothers, families and the wider community. The initiative was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Ranjana Singh, Head, Department of Community Medicine, and focused on strengthening practical, sustainable and evidence-based approaches to breastfeeding support.

The 2026 theme, “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works,” emphasizes strengthening proven interventions and creating supportive environments for mothers and infants across healthcare facilities, communities, workplaces and families. As part of the observance, NIIMS conducted antenatal counselling, community health talks, an educational skit, interactive awareness sessions and a nutrition-focused “Cook Without Fire” competition for interns.

The activities began with a breastfeeding awareness session conducted during the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) by Senior Resident Dr. Arushi Kumar. Pregnant women attending the health facility were counselled on the importance of breastfeeding after delivery, including early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, appropriate breastfeeding practices and the role of family support. The session also highlighted the importance of continuing iron-folic acid and calcium supplementation for six months after delivery, particularly for mothers who had suboptimal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy.

The department organised a community-based awareness programme at Mirzapur village, within the catchment area of the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC). Under the aegis of Dr. Tanoja Sabni, Associate Professor, interns conducted a health talk covering the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, followed by an educational skit designed to communicate key messages in a simple and engaging manner. The programme also addressed common misconceptions and highlighted the importance of family and community support for breastfeeding mothers.

The outreach continued at Community Health Centre (CHC), Kanigarhi, under the guidance of Dr. Harnoor Baweja, Assistant Professor. Interns conducted an interactive health awareness session covering early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, correct breastfeeding practices and continued maternal support. Beneficiaries were also encouraged to raise questions and clarify common doubts related to breastfeeding.

The week concluded with a “Cook Without Fire” competition for interns, organized by Dr. Eram Sultana and Dr. Harnoor Baweja, Assistant Professors. Eight teams participated in the activity and prepared simple, nutritious and affordable food options suitable for new mothers. The initiative highlighted the importance of maternal nutrition during the postpartum and breastfeeding period while demonstrating practical dietary options using locally available ingredients.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Ranjana Singh, Head, Department of Community Medicine, NIIMS, emphasized the importance of taking breastfeeding education beyond clinical settings and into communities. She highlighted that sustained breastfeeding support requires coordinated efforts from healthcare professionals, families and communities, along with accurate and evidence-based health education.

The week-long activities also provided interns with practical exposure to community-based health promotion, antenatal counselling and health communication, reinforcing their role as future physicians in advancing maternal and child health.

The Department of Community Medicine expressed its gratitude to Dr. SN Gupta, Director; Dr. Manisha Jindal, Dean; and Dr. Ranjit Giuliani, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Arun Chaudhary, Head & Professor, Department of Pathology, NIIMS, for their continued support and cooperation. The department also acknowledged the guidance of Dr. Ranjana Singh and the active participation of faculty members and interns in making the initiative meaningful and community-oriented.

Through the observance of World Breastfeeding Week, NIIMS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting evidence-based maternal and child health practices and strengthening breastfeeding support through education, community engagement and practical health interventions.