Paderu Joint Collector Advocates for Newborn Protection at Awareness Conference

“The responsibility of protecting the newborn lies with everyone”, said the joint collector, who was the chief guest at the event. He emphasised that mothers should adhere to doctors' advice and instructions throughout their pregnancy and opt for institutional deliveries which are safer for both mother and child.

V. Abhishek, a project officer with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), noted that institutional deliveries provide proper medical supervision and ensure that newborn receives the necessary vaccination under doctor’s guidance. He also stressed the need to increase awareness about importatnce of immunising children in rural areas.

District medical and health officer Dr Jamal Bhasha and government public hospital superintendent Dr Vishwamitra advised the attendees to breastfeed newborns rather than using formula or cow milk, noting that breastfeeding promotes health growth in babies.

The event also highlighted the government schemes and services to support mothers and newborns, including the Janani Suraksha programme, one-stop centres, and childcare officers. Organisers of the programme urged expecting mothers to register their names on RCH portals to avail of these benefits.

ICDS scheme manager Suryalakshmi noted that the department had set up baby cradles to prevent abanodonment of newborns. She exhotred the community to protect children and use proper adoption channels if they were unable to care for them.