Rajshahi: Along with nutritious food, a mother's awareness, regular health check-ups, vaccination, and hygiene habits play an important role in the healthy growth of a child. To verify how much these basic health practices for children are ensured in families, and to make parents aware, a 'Healthy Baby' Competition was held in Rajshahi today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the competition was organized with the participation of children under five years of age and their guardians, emphasizing the child's physical growth and nutrition as well as the mother's health-related knowledge. The event took place at the City Church Hall Room and was organized by World Vision Bangladesh Rajshahi City ADP.
Rajshahi Civil Surgeon Dr. SIM Raziul Karim, the chief guest at the event, emphasized the importance of nutrition, vaccination, and regular health monitoring from birth to ensure a child's good health. He highlighted the significance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and then providing balanced and nutritious food for the child's normal development.
The 'Healthy Baby' competition aimed to raise parental awareness and create a healthy environment for children. It evaluated exclusive breastfeeding up to six months, the introduction of nutritious food twice a day along with breast milk from six to eight months, three times a day from nine to 11 months, and three full bowls of food a day from 12 to 23 months.
World Vision Bangladesh Rajshahi Program Officer Ripon Haldar conducted the program, with Rajshahi Press Club General Secretary Golam Mostafa Mamun speaking as a special guest. Senior Manager of World Vision Bangladesh Rajshahi, Lotus Chisim, stated that ensuring nutrition, cleanliness, and regular health monitoring is crucial for children's well-being, alongside treatment.
The keynote paper was presented by Senior Program Officer of World Vision Bangladesh Rajshahi, Nilu Begum. The organizers reported that 8,000 children participated in the competition, with 1,200 children selected for final screening. Out of these, 180 children were finally selected, with 18 receiving special prizes and 162 receiving general prizes.
The event also evaluated handwashing practices and knowledge of where to seek treatment if a child falls sick. Swapna Khatun, a mother from the Kashiadanga area, shared that she learned important aspects of child nutrition and care, leading to increased awareness about her child's dietary needs and health monitoring.
Supta Akhter, another participant from Motihar area, emphasized the importance of providing correct and nutritious food according to the child's age. She advocated for regular events like this to further enhance parental awareness about child health and nutrition.