The Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing(MCON) Manipal, Department of Neonatology & Paediatrics, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Udupi District Branch observed ‘Newborn week 2022’ on the theme "Home Care of Newborn in Urban Area” with various activities conducted from 15th to 22nd November 2022. The programme was conducted with the aim to create awareness regarding home care of newborns among postnatal mothers and the public.

Community awareness of the public “Home Care of Newborn” was done by organizing an awareness program for the general public on 15th November 2022 through an interview on Daijiworld Udupi TV. Dr. Shruthi K Bhardwaj, Asst. Professor Department of Neonatology, KMC, Manipal highlighted regarding the immediate care of newborns after birth, breastfeeding, prevention of neonatal infections, hygienic practices such as bathing, care of umbilical cord sleep pattern, and husband and family member's support to mother and infant.

To sensitize on home care of newborns, the department of child health nursing, MCON conducted an awareness program on 18th November 2022 between 10.30 am to 12.00 pm. Dr. Yashoda Sathish, Assistant Professor of the department gave a talk on the importance of breastfeeding, early initiation, the composition of breast milk, various positions, and attachment while feeding. Also stressed minor ailments in newborns and weaning. Mrs. Anusuya V Prabhu, Assistant Professor of the department highlighted hygienic practices, danger signs, and immunization.

A poster competition on the theme was organized by the department of child health nursing MCON on 21st November 2022 for the students and staff. The total number of posters was 24. Prizes were distributed to the winners.

The Valedictory program of the Newborn week celebration was held on 22nd November 2022. Dr. Shruthi K Bhardwaj, Assistant Professor, Department of Neonatology, KMC, Manipal welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Anusuya V Prabhu gave an overview of the activities of newborn week 2022. The Chief Guest of the program, Dr. Sheila Samanta Mathai, Professor & HOD, Department of Neonatology, KMC, Manipal addressing the gathering, said the components of “Golden minute, Golden day, and Golden month” in taking care of the newborn baby. She expressed regarding the home care of the newborn baby in relation to following good hygienic practices. Also explained immunization and identifying danger signs in the baby. Also highlighted the role of parents, grandparents, and other family members in taking care of the newborn baby. She congratulated the team for the excellent organization of the program. Dr. Judith A Noronha, Dean of MCON, in her address, said that communication between mother and baby is very important. It has to be started from the beginning. If communication is lacking, which may lead to developmental disabilities in a child. The use of a mobile phone by the mother while taking care of a newborn baby, should not be encouraged especially during lactation. She stressed the importance of breastfeeding and avoiding breastfeeding-related problems. She also congratulated the team for the excellent organization of the program.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of the poster competition. Dr. Baby S Nayak, HoD, department of child health nursing thanked all the members. The event was hosted by Ms. Tenzin Phagdol.

The Newborn Week 2022 events were coordinated by Dr. Baby S Nayak and Mrs. Anusuya V Prabhu the Department of Child Health Nursing, MCON, Manipal