Thoubal, Dec 23 : The District Health Society, Thoubal, organised the observation of National Newborn Week on Tuesday at the NHM Conference Hall, CMO Complex, Thoubal. The programme was held under the theme “Newborn Safety: Every Touch, Every Time, Every Baby.”
On the occasion, Dr. Y. Nokul Singh, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Thoubal; Dr. Kharibam Sundeep Singh, District Nodal Officer (Child Health); and Dr. M. Bikramjit Singh, District Nodal Officer, NP-NCD, attended the programme as Chief Guest, President, and Guest of Honour, respectively.
Shri Ch. Basanta Singh, District Programme Manager, Thoubal, welcomed the participants and delivered the keynote address.
Medical Officers-in-Charge, officials, and staff of the District and Block Programme Management Units attended the programme and shared valuable messages related to newborn care.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kharibam Sundeep Singh, District Nodal Officer (Child Health) and Paediatrician, District Hospital, Thoubal, highlighted that the first golden hour after birth is extremely crucial for newborns. He stressed the importance of initiating exclusive breastfeeding within one hour of birth. He explained that the yellowish first milk (colostrum) is like nectar for newborns. Colostrum acts as the first natural vaccine, strengthening the baby’s immunity and protecting against infections, allergies, and other diseases. He further emphasised that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, as it provides complete nutrition and supports proper physical growth, brain development, and overall health.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Y. Nokul Singh, CMO, Thoubal, stated that institutional delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, and timely immunisation play a vital role in reducing infant mortality. He emphasised that strong family support is essential to ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Emotional encouragement and a positive attitude from family members are crucial for the well-being of both mother and child. He also noted that breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers and contributes to healthy birth spacing.
During National Newborn Week, awareness programmes will be conducted in hospitals for mothers who have delivered and for families of newborns. Medical Officers-in-Charge, Community Health Officers, and nurses will provide counselling and guidance on proper newborn care. Dr. Y. Nokul Singh urged all health staff to actively participate in spreading awareness.
