Chennai, 6 August 2025: In a powerful display of community driven health advocacy, Rela Hospital organised a walkathon to mark World Breastfeeding Week, observed every year from 1-7 August, drawing participation from college students, medical professionals and hospital staff. The walkathon served to amplify the message on breastfeeding as a public health priority urging policy makers and healthcare systems to identify breastfeeding as a vital aspect of maternal and child health.

The 5-km walkathon, starting from Redhills Police Station to Rela Hospital Redhills, saw enthusiastic participation from over 500 individuals including students and faculties from colleges, doctors, nurses, lactation consultants and hospital staff. The participants walked with banners and informative placards containing messages on benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. Doctors and hospital staff of Rela Hospital also engaged with participants and answered questions about breastfeeding practices and support systems.

Mr. S. Vijayakumar, Inspector of Police Redhills, flagged off the walkathon along with Mr. S. Rajagopalan, Chief Operating Officer - Rela Hospital, Redhills.

World Breastfeeding Week emphasis on the importance of breastfeeding in reducing infant mortality, improving maternal health, and developing emotional bonding between mother and child. Despite its proven benefits, myths, stigma, and lack of support often hinder mothers from breastfeeding successfully. This year’s theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” highlights the role breast milk plays in an infant’s overall health. Breast milk not only provides essential nutrition, immune protection but also aids in cognitive growth, therefore making it crucial for an infants’ development and disease prevention.

In his comments, Inspector S. Vijayakumar said, “This walkathon underlines the urgent need for supportive policies, and community engagement to ensure every child has a healthy start to life. Walking together for a cause as vital as breastfeeding reflects the change we are walking toward a healthier society. Every step taken today is a commitment to nurturing future generations by creating awareness, informed choices and compassionate care.”

In his comments, Mr. S. Rajagopalan, Chief Operating Officer - Rela Hospital, Redhills said, “The walkathon primarily served as a platform to share three messages – to educate the public about the nutritional benefits of breast milk, to encourage workspaces and institutions to create breastfeeding supportive environment and to break societal taboos and empower people and communities to advocate maternal health. The presence of students symbolises the next generation’s commitment to health equity and informed choices. Events like these help us engage with communities to create awareness which is the first step toward change.”