Breastfeeding awareness week in Rajasthan district

NEW DELHI - Private sector oil producer Cairn India and the Indian Academy of Paediatricians (IAP) have launched a week-long campaign in Rajasthan’s Barmer district to create awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for enhancing immunity in infants.

The initiative, launched to mark the World Breastfeeding Week Aug 1-7, will cover 10 locations in the district, with programmes in schools, colleges, hospitals and other public places, a company statement said.

A mobile health van equipped with state-of-the-art facilities was also flagged off which will travel to 32 villages in Barmer.

Since last year, Cairn India has started to pump oil from the Mangala oil fields in western Rajasthan.

The launch function was attended by the area MP Harish Choudhary, local legislators and senior officials of Cairn India and IAP.

According to government figures, only one-fourth of Indian mothers initiate breastfeeding in India, with just 14 percent in Rajasthan.