Believers Eastern Church Dioceses Observe World Breastfeeding Week with Community Awareness Programs

Believers Eastern Church marked World Breastfeeding Week, observed from 1–7 August, through a series of awareness programs and educational sessions. The initiatives focused on helping mothers and families understand the importance of breastfeeding, maternal nutrition and proper infant care, while reaching communities where access to health information can be limited.

The 2026 theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” highlights the importance of strengthening effective support systems that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully and give children a healthy start in life.

At the Believers Eastern Church World Headquarters, a team conducted a breastfeeding awareness program in a nearby community with the support of Believers Church Medical College Hospital. Mothers and families received practical guidance on breastfeeding and infant care. A doctor from the hospital explained the health benefits of breastfeeding, proper breastfeeding practices, maternal nutrition and the importance of appropriate care for both mother and child. The interactive program also provided an opportunity for participants to ask questions and clarify their concerns.

In Nepal, the Hope for Children Chaurjahari Project held an awareness program in partnership with the Chaurjahari Municipality. The program brought together 60 participants, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, health workers, local government representatives, community volunteers and members of mothers’ groups and child protection forums. The sessions covered exclusive breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, appropriate complementary feeding, correct breastfeeding techniques, hygiene and the importance of family support. Participants actively engaged in discussions and shared their experiences, gaining practical knowledge to apply in their homes.

The Hubli Diocese observed the week through awareness programs conducted in slum communities and local churches. The sessions provided mothers and families with information about breastfeeding and its importance for the health and development of children.

The Nagpur Diocese Women’s Fellowship conducted breastfeeding awareness programs for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, reaching around 1,015 women. Educational sessions and videos highlighted the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, healthy child development and proper breastfeeding practices. Similar awareness sessions were also conducted in local parishes, reaching women from the churches and surrounding communities. Participants appreciated the program and shared that the information provided valuable knowledge to help them adopt healthy breastfeeding practices and better care for their children.

In the Udaipur Diocese, the Women’s Fellowship conducted awareness programs in local parishes, including Mission Province Ratlam, Mission Province Jhadol and city churches. Informative videos helped mothers learn about breastfeeding, infant care and maternal well-being. The Women’s Fellowship also visited a local community on 5 August to conduct a special awareness session. Mothers expressed appreciation for the practical information, noting that it increased their confidence and understanding of breastfeeding and childcare.

The Tirunelveli Diocese also took the message to several communities across the Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi and Ramanathapuram districts. The sessions covered the importance of breastfeeding, proper feeding practices and maternal nutrition, including suitable foods for mothers during the breastfeeding period.

In the Gorakhpur Diocese, breastfeeding awareness programs were conducted throughout local parishes, the St. Paul’s Believers Eastern Church campus and underserved villages. Local Women’s Fellowship members conducted educational sessions using videos, followed by explanations and discussions. Particular attention was given to the importance of early breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. The programs also provided an opportunity to reach women in remote communities who had limited access to information on proper breastfeeding practices. Participants shared that they gained valuable knowledge that would help them care for their children and pass the information on to others.

Through these programs, Believers Eastern Church sought to strengthen awareness, encourage healthy practices and support mothers and families in caring for their children. By taking breastfeeding education into churches, communities, slum areas and remote villages, the initiatives reflected the 2026 theme’s call to strengthen what works and build supportive environments for mothers and children.