Media Consultation on World Breastfeeding Week- August 1-7, 2013
“Breastfeeding support-close to mothers”

Who: Ms. Mrinal Pande, Chairperson, Prasar Bharti Board, Women Champions representing communities from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand and MP, Mr. Victor Aguyao, Chief of Child Nutrition and Development Programme, UNICEF India and Ms. Caroline Den Dulk, Chief Advocacy and Communication, UNICEF India.

What: On World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF is organizing a panel discussion with community champions and media. Members of mother support groups and frontline workers from diverse parts of the country will share their experiences with media on how they have been successful in ensuring that mothers are supported for breastfeeding practices. The Nutrition tool kit will also be launched on this occasion. The Nutrition tool kit will be launched on this occasion.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Ms. Mrinal Pandey, Chairperson Prasar Bharti. 

When: August 07, 2013 (Wednesday)

Where: Vishwa Yuva Kendra, Circular Road, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

Time: 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM and followed by lunch

Background: 1.5 million children under-five die every year. Global evidence shows that in developing countries, optimal breastfeeding in the first six months of life – initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for first six months - have the potential to avert an average 13 per cent of under-five deaths. In India, however, only 46 per cent of infants younger than six months are exclusively breastfed. The women heroes will share experiences of counselling mothers at critical times and highlight that supporting them to breastfeed their children under challenging family, work, social and cultural contexts can improve breastfeeding practices. Enclsoed are the profiles of the women champions who will be available at the discussion. 

For further information contact: Ms. Caroline den Dulk, Chief of Communication and Advocacy, UNICEF India, Mobile: +919818106093 Ms. Geetanjali Master, Communication Specialist, UNICEF India, Mobile: + 91 98105861