TFP Bureau, Korba; August 21, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading Indian aluminium producer under Vedanta Aluminium, marked World Breastfeeding Week 2024 with a robust awareness campaign dedicated to empowering pregnant and lactating women in the local community. Aligning with the global theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” the campaign highlighted the irreplaceable benefits of breastfeeding and provided comprehensive education on maternal and child health.
The initiative focused on the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life, introducing advanced caregiving techniques like kangaroo care, and preparing mothers for optimal breastfeeding practices. Over 500 pregnant and lactating women participated in these sessions, gaining valuable insights to improve their and their children’s health.
The week-long campaign culminated in a significant event honoring breastfeeding mothers and stressing the essential roles of family, community, and healthcare professionals in supporting breastfeeding practices.
BALCO’s CEO and Director, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Access to quality healthcare is central to our vision of creating a thriving community. Through initiatives like these, we strive to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to care for themselves and their families. Supporting maternal and child health is an investment in the well-being of our communities, ensuring that every mother and child can lead a healthy and prosperous life.”
Ms. Renu Prakash, District Program Officer for Women and Child Development, praised BALCO’s efforts, noting, “A child’s nutrition is deeply connected to the mother’s well-being. BALCO’s initiatives provide mothers with crucial knowledge, empowering them to prioritize their own health and ensure their children receive the necessary nourishment. These learnings will significantly impact the participants’ ability to care for themselves and their children.”
One beneficiary, Rejina Linga, shared her positive experience, saying, “The Kangaroo Care method has been a revelation for me. Holding my baby skin-to-skin, as they taught us, has strengthened our bond and improved my baby’s well-being. The guidance from these sessions has boosted my confidence as a mother, empowering me to care for my child properly.”
BALCO’s commitment to maternal and child health is further demonstrated through its Arogya program and Nand Ghars, modernized Anganwadis focused on the development of women and children. The Arogya program offers comprehensive healthcare services, addressing maternal and child health, malnutrition, anemia, and awareness on HIV, TB, and de-addiction. Nand Ghars, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, provides pre-school nutrition and education with digital learning tools, significantly enhancing children’s cognitive development and school readiness.
