Media can become a powerful medium for social change by promoting breastfeeding and healthy eating
Media can become a powerful medium for social change by promoting breastfeeding and healthy eating
UNICEF organized a media workshop prior to World Breastfeeding Week
Raipur, Highlighting the important role of media in increasing awareness about maternal and child nutrition, UNICEF organized a media workshop in Raipur today on the topic "World Breastfeeding Week and Healthy Eating". Journalists from print, electronic, and digital media participated in this workshop held at Hotel Sayaji and discussed promoting positive behavior change in society through reporting based on breastfeeding, healthy eating, and scientific facts.
Inaugurating the workshop, Mr. Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, said that media is not just a medium of information but an effective carrier of social change. He said that reporting based on factual and scientific information can dispel myths and inspire families to adopt behaviors that give every child a healthy start in life.
Dr. Aparna Deshpande, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF, said that mother's milk is the complete and best food for an infant, fulfilling all its nutritional needs for the first six months of life and laying a strong foundation for its healthy future. She said that successful breastfeeding is not just the mother's responsibility, but the shared responsibility of the entire family and society. From pregnancy to the breastfeeding period, the mother needs physical, mental, and emotional support, in which the role of the husband and family is extremely important.
Referring to the IMS Act, 1992, she said that this law has been made to protect and promote breastfeeding and controls the inappropriate promotion of infant milk substitutes and commercial baby food. She said that such products should not be glorified, as mother's milk is the best nutrition for an infant.
Dr. B.R. Bhagat, Deputy Director (Child Health), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Chhattisgarh Government, said that the state government is continuously making efforts to increase awareness about breastfeeding, nutrition, and child health, especially in rural and tribal areas. He informed that ASHA, Anganwadi workers, and ANMs are playing an important role in counseling pregnant and lactating mothers, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and adopting correct practices related to infant and child feeding.
Ms. Astha Singh, Consultant, Advocacy for Healthy Diets, described fresh, home-cooked, and locally sourced food as the best option. She advised caution against junk food and highly processed packaged foods sold as healthy, stating that consumers should always read the nutrition labels before buying food products. She also shared simple and practical 'healthy food swaps' to make the daily Indian diet more nutritious.
The workshop saw a meaningful dialogue between journalists and experts on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, maternal nutrition, and nutritional myths. Participants also shared their ideas on how healthy behaviors can be promoted in society through evidence-based journalism.
At the closing, UNICEF stated that improvement in maternal and child nutrition is possible only through the combined efforts of the government, health workers, community, family, and media. Factual and responsible journalism can play an important role in normalizing breastfeeding and increasing public awareness about healthy eating.
This workshop was organized prior to World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated from August 1 to 7. On this occasion, UNICEF reiterated its commitment to promoting breastfeeding and healthy eating for the better health, nutrition, and overall development of every mother and child.