Tue Nov 18 00:04:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research) in Puducherry is conducting a week-long public awareness campaign focused on improving neonatal health and survival. This initiative is part of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s National Newborn Week and highlights the importance of newborn safety, especially considering India’s neonatal mortality rate. The campaign, featuring participation from various JIPMER departments, includes health talks, discussions, training, and emphasizes key interventions like exclusive breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). The initiative highlights the critical role of these practices in preventing newborn deaths and promoting healthy development.
News Article:
JIPMER Launches Week-Long Campaign for Newborn Health and Safety
Puducherry, India – November 18, 2025 – JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research) has launched a week-long public awareness campaign aimed at improving neonatal survival and healthy development in India. The initiative is part of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s National Newborn Week, observed annually to address the critical issue of newborn health.
This year’s theme, “Newborn safety: Every touch, Every time, Every baby,” underscores the importance of consistent and careful attention to newborns. India faces a concerning neonatal mortality rate of 24.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5. Premature birth, sepsis, and asphyxia are among the leading causes of death.
“Essential newborn care, including breastfeeding and simple interventions like kangaroo mother care (KMC) and handwashing to prevent sepsis, can significantly improve neonatal survival,” JIPMER stated in a press release.
Various JIPMER departments, including Neonatology, Nursing, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology, are collaborating to conduct a series of activities. These activities include health talks, discussions, seminars, and hands-on training. Special attention will be given to Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a practice that promotes bonding and development, for postnatal mothers, families, and healthcare personnel.
A key message of the campaign is the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, continuing to two years with supplementary foods.
“Exclusive breastfeeding prevents diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infection among infants. Exclusively breastfed children have higher intelligence and better immunity,” said Professor Adhisivam B. of Neonatology at JIPMER. He also emphasized the dangers of cow’s milk, gripe water, formula feeds, and bottle-feeding for newborns.
The campaign also highlights the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, including the prevention of breast and ovarian cancer. Furthermore, Kangaroo Mother Care is emphasized for its role in improving survival and neurodevelopment among preterm and low birth weight infants. Frequent handwashing by caregivers is stressed as a crucial measure to prevent infection in newborns.
The JIPMER campaign aims to empower families and healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the health and safety of every newborn in India.
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