DHAKA, May 15, 2025 (BSS) - International Kangaroo Care (KMC) Awareness Day was observed aimed at enhancing awareness of neonatal care particularly for premature babies.

This day focuses on promoting KMC, a method of keeping babies, especially premature or low birth weight infants, in continuous skin-to-skin contact with their mothers or caregivers.

On the occasion, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) today organised a rally and seminar at Neonatal Department with BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam in the chair.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader also spoke at the event, where experts emphasized the importance of community awareness in reducing neonatal mortality and ensuring better healthcare for infants.

This year's theme for the global KMC day observance is "In your arms, I thrive."

Speaking as the chief guest, BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam said, "To create a healthier world for tomorrow, we must ensure survival of our newborns. This requires greater public awareness among doctors, health workers, and the media. They must play vital roles in this initiative."

Professor Alam noted that KMC technique has been scientifically proven to reduce mortality risks and improve the health of preterm and low-birth-weight newborns significantly worldwide.
 
He urged the medical community to focus on this 'simple but life-saving' research initiatives like KMC, which offer low-cost yet impactful healthcare solutions.

BMU Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar, Dean of the Faculty of Pediatrics Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman, Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Chairman of the Neonatology Department Professor Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Dey, and Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Mannan were among the notable attendees. Faculty members, residents, and researchers from the university and ICDDRB also participated in the event.