Calcutta Rescue, in collaboration with Fundación Colores De Calcuta and Manos Unidas, is proud to support our Mother and Child Health project. Central to this initiative is our “1000 Days Programme,” a carefully designed support system that guides mothers from the early stages of pregnancy until their child reaches two years of age. This comprehensive programme offers medical care, nutritional guidance, vaccination, and awareness to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.
One of the key areas of focus within this programme is the importance of breastfeeding. To highlight this, we organised a three-day awareness event during Breastfeeding Week, specifically for pregnant and lactating mothers.
The event kicked off with an engaging and interactive quiz, where the Calcutta Rescue team posed questions on vital topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition, and vaccination. The young mothers participated eagerly, showcasing their knowledge and commitment to their children’s health.
Rani, a mother from the Topsia slum with a one-year-old baby boy, shared her heartfelt experience: “When Dada at Calcutta Rescue told me how crucial the pneumonia vaccine is for my son, I went to local medicine shops to find it. I was stunned to discover that each dose costs more than a thousand rupees. My husband, who earns a modest daily wage, couldn’t afford it. But Calcutta Rescue provided the vaccine for free! I’m so grateful. After learning about breastfeeding, I followed the advice and exclusively breastfed my son for six months. Now, I continue to breastfeed while introducing soft foods, just as Dada suggested.” Her joy was palpable as she recounted her journey.
The programme concluded with distributing nutritious food bowls to all the mothers, a gesture that reaffirmed our ongoing commitment to their health and well-being.
