The Department of Pediatrics, Preethi Hospitals, Madurai, successfully organized "Latch On 2026" to mark the commencement of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, reaffirming its commitment to promote breastfeeding and improve maternal and newborn health.
The programme was conducted under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. R. Sivakumar and Dr. T. Hema Sivakumar. The event was graced by Dr. Nandhini, Director, ICHRH, Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Manivannan, President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) as the Guest of Honour, along with eminent Pediatricians and healthcare professionals.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Shajin, Senior Consultant Pediatrics and NICU in charge who welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, distinguished speakers, consultants, nursing officers, lactation consultants, healthcare professionals, delegates, postgraduate students, and all the participants. He emphasized the importance of World Breastfeeding Week and the need for collective efforts in promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding.
The scientific sessions featured enlightening lectures by eminent guest speakers on the importance of breastfeeding, lactation support, human milk banking, evidence-based newborn nutrition, and strategies to improve breastfeeding practices. The sessions provided valuable insights for healthcare professionals and reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary support for breastfeeding mothers.
As part of the academic programme, a Postgraduate Quiz Competition on breastfeeding and neonatal nutrition was conducted, encouraging postgraduate students to strengthen their knowledge through healthy academic competition.
To actively involve the community in the celebrations, Poetry and Meme Competitions were organized for mothers from the general public. These creative events provided an opportunity for mothers to express their breastfeeding experiences, emotions, and perspectives while spreading awareness about the importance of breastfeeding in an engaging and meaningful way.
The event was organized in observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, under the global theme "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems." The programme highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment through families, healthcare providers, workplaces, and communities to enable every mother to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from consultants, nursing officers, lactation consultants, healthcare professionals, postgraduate students, mothers, and members of the public. The event concluded on a successful note, reaffirming the Department of Pediatrics, Preethi Hospitals, Madurai, and its continued commitment to promoting breastfeeding awareness, empowering mothers, and advancing excellence in maternal and newborn healthcare.