National Newborn Care Week: Raising Awareness for Infant Health
National Newborn Care Week is observed from November 15-21 to promote awareness about infant health and reduce mortality rates.
New Delhi, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : National Newborn Care Week is observed annually from November 15 to 21 across India. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the proper care of newborns, their health, and efforts to reduce infant mortality rates. It was launched in 2000 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The week-long observance begins on November 15 and continues until November 21. During this period, the health department and various medical institutions provide information on newborn nutrition, hygiene, timely vaccinations, and the importance of breastfeeding.
Notably, National Newborn Care Week starts just one day after Children’s Day. Prior to this week, November 7 is recognized as “Child Safety Day,” emphasizing the need for awareness regarding the health, nutrition, and care of newborns, as well as the prevention of health-related issues and diseases.
The primary goal of this observance is to lower infant mortality rates through proper health care, adequate nutrition, and vaccinations. The celebration of this day began in the 1990s in European countries and has since been recognized globally each year.
On Child Safety Day, various programs and events are organized to increase awareness among parents about the responsibilities that come with a child’s birth, which are crucial for the child’s health and secure future. There is a strong emphasis on ensuring timely vaccinations, administering vitamin A, and providing balanced nutrition for children.
According to the 2011 census, children aged 0 to 6 years constituted over 13 percent of India’s total population, while those aged 0 to 14 years made up 30.76 percent.
