Promoting Safe Beginnings During National Newborn Care Week

On the occasion of National Newborn Care Week, Prayatn Sanstha, in collaboration with SBI Foundation under the SBI Sanjeevani – Clinic on Wheels initiative, organized awareness activities in Shravasti and Sonbhadra districts of Uttar Pradesh. The efforts focused on guiding mothers and families on essential newborn care practices, early nutrition and the importance of responding promptly to danger signs in infants.

In Shravasti, the event was conducted on 15th November 2025 at Gram Panchayat Pooreadhari in Hariharpur Rani block, where a total of 65 participants, including 22 lactating mothers, took part in the session. The team sensitized mothers on key care practices such as early and exclusive breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact for warmth, clean cord care, timely immunization and recognizing symptoms that require urgent medical attention. A total of 18 baby kits were distributed, in consultation with the ASHA, to the most vulnerable newborns. The presence and support of guests including Mr. Sanjay Kumar (Head Master), Mr. Pankaj Srivastav (Shiksha Mitra), ASHA worker Ms. Kunti Devi and Anganwadi Worker Ms. Shyamkali contributed to the smooth conduct of the event.

In Sonbhadra, the National Newborn Care Week program was organized on 20th November 2025 in Chargada village of Nagwa block, where families received guidance on essential newborn care, winter protection and safe feeding practices. A total of 25 newborn babies were provided with warm clothes, caps, socks and toys as part of the activity. Medical Officer, Dr. Yash Sharma, explained immediate care after birth, the significance of early and exclusive breastfeeding and the warning signs such as fever, breathing difficulty and poor feeding. Staff Nurse, Mrs. Sunaina, discussed the importance of full immunization, hygiene and Kangaroo Mother Care for low-birth-weight infants, especially during winter. Anganwadi Worker, Mrs. Ranjana Devi Jaiswal, also shared information on birth registration within 21 days and key government schemes including Janani Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matri Vandana Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

Through these coordinated efforts across both districts, mothers and families received vital guidance that supports safe newborn care, improved early nutrition and timely health-seeking practices.