A host of JIPMER departments are running weeklong activities on varied topics related to newborn health and safety.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Jipmer has commenced a week-long public awareness campaign to improve neonatal survival and healthy development as part of National Newborn Week observed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The various events, around this year’s theme of “Newborn safety: Every touch, Every time, Every baby”, seek to reinforce the importance of newborn health, an issue of great relevance in India which has a concerning neonatal mortality rate.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, the neonatal mortality in India is 24.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. The common causes of death in the newborn period are premature birth, sepsis and asphyxia. Essential newborn care, including breastfeeding and simple interventions like kangaroo mother care (KMC) and handwashing to prevent sepsis, can improve neonatal survival, Jipmer said in a press note.
A host of Jipmer departments led by Neonatology, including Nursing, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pharmacology and Microbiology, are running weeklong activities on varied topics related to newborn health and safety.
The programmes range across health talks, discussions, seminars and hands on training on important interventions like Kangaroo mother care (KMC) targeted at postnatal mothers, attenders and healthcare personnel.
One of the central messages of the campaign is the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the practice continued till two years of age alongside supplements.
Exclusive breastfeeding prevents diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infection among infants. Exclusively breastfed children have higher intelligence and better immunity. Cow’s milk, gripe water, formula feeds and bottle-feeding are harmful to newborns and should not be given, said Adhisivam B.,Professor of Neonatology, Jipmer.
Breastfeeding prevents the occurrence of breast cancer and ovarian cancer among mothers. “Kangaroo mother care” improves survival and neurodevelopment among preterm and low birth weight infants. Frequent handwashing by the mother will prevent infection for the infant, Jipmer said.
Published – November 18, 2025 05:34 am IST
