Six students from various educational institutions in Rajshahi were awarded today for their drawings highlighting the importance of breast milk for children's health. The competition, organized by the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN), was part of World Breastfeeding Week events from August 1 to 7. The theme of this year's event was 'Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems'. The awards were distributed in a ceremony at the Rajshahi Civil Surgeon Office, with Dr. SIM Raziul Karim, the Civil Surgeon of Rajshahi, as the chief guest. Dr. Karim emphasized the critical role of breast milk in a child's early development and called for increased awareness about breastfeeding practices. The first-place winners were Ayesha Siddika from Rajshahi Bahumukhi Girls High School in Group 'Ka' and Noshin Sharmili from Government Pramathanath Girls' High School in Group 'Kha'. Other notable guests included Inspector of Rajshahi Range Police Ataur Rahman, Assistant District Primary Education Officer Md. Ashraful Islam, Assistant Director of District Information Office Abdul Ahad, and General Secretary of Rajshahi Press Club Golam Mostafa Mamun.
The drawing competition was one of several activities organized during World Breastfeeding Week, which included rallies, discussion meetings, counseling camps for pregnant and lactating mothers, nutrition screening camps for mothers and children, and awareness activities in schools. The events aimed to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for sustainable support systems to encourage this practice. Dr. Karim highlighted the importance of immediate breastfeeding after birth and exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age for optimal child development. He also stressed the need for family and societal awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding.
