The College of Nursing at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) celebrated World Health Day 2025 on April 7 with a vibrant event focused on the global theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” placing a spotlight on maternal and child health. This occasion served to emphasize the significant role of nursing education in enhancing health awareness and building healthier communities.
The event commenced with a ceremonial inauguration featuring a traditional ribbon-cutting, attended by faculty members, nursing students, and notable dignitaries from the health sector. Nursing students took the initiative to set up various workstations, each dedicated to demonstrating therapeutic diets tailored for a range of health conditions such as renal, diabetic, and cardiac issues. Among the highlights was a specialized focus on antenatal and postnatal care, with particular attention directed towards complementary feeding for infants aged 6 months to 1 year. Displays illustrated the importance of balanced nutrition, underscoring its vital role in supporting the early development of children. These educational efforts were designed to enlighten attendees about healthy dietary practices crucial for managing health conditions and ensuring the well-being of mothers and their children.
The event aligned with a year-long campaign launched by the World Health Organization, which advocates for governments and health sectors worldwide to intensify efforts aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths. This initiative also addresses wider health challenges, including mental health, non-communicable diseases, and family planning, to enhance long-term outcomes for women and children.
Students from the College of Nursing, which is duly recognized by the Indian Nursing Council and affiliated with Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, participated actively in the celebrations. They showcased detailed exhibits focusing on critical health components, effectively promoting awareness and encouraging the adoption of healthy practices. The event featured informative educational posters on high-protein diets and dietary choices for diabetic patients, demonstrating the tangible applications of nursing knowledge in advancing public health.
The Army Hospital (R&R), a leading institution within the military healthcare framework, has a storied history of contributing to public health initiatives, including participation in organ donation through the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval & Transplantation Authority (AORTA). The hospital’s dedication to health education and its commitment to community well-being were prominently displayed during this celebratory event. It not only underscored the importance of maternal and child health but also highlighted the indispensable role of military nursing in fostering a healthier future for all.
The event concluded with a compelling call to action directed at healthcare professionals and communities nationwide, reinforcing the need to prioritize maternal and child health as a foundation for ensuring hopeful futures for families throughout the country.
