World Breastfeeding Week 2026 was inaugurated in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, with an awareness rally on Saturday (August 1), highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for the healthy growth and development of children.
The week is being observed under the theme “Breastfeeding at the Beginning of Life: Strengthening Sustainable Support.”
The rally was organized by Nalchity Upazila Health Complex under the initiative of the Institute of Public Health Nutrition. It began at the health complex premises, passed through major roads in the upazila and ended at the health complex.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. H.M. Habibur Rahman, Medical Officer (Disease Control) Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Medical Technologist (EPI) Md. Yakub Ali Khan (Khokon), along with doctors, nurses, health workers and people from different professions, participated in the rally.
During the program, health officials emphasized the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first six months, and continuing breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods until two years of age or beyond.
Speakers also stressed the need to create supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers at home, in workplaces and in the wider community. They emphasized that breastfeeding should continue during emergencies and disasters whenever possible.
Dr. H.M. Habibur Rahman said the main objective of World Breastfeeding Week activities is to increase public awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and promote the health and well-being of mothers and children.
He added that a week-long program will be held across Nalchity, including discussion sessions, awareness campaigns and motivational activities focused on breastfeeding.
