On December 27, 2022, Villa College held a certificate awarding ceremony at the QI Hall to recognize the accomplishments of the 30 nursing students who participated in the three-day breastfeeding counselling workshop from December 25-27. The workshop aimed to enhance the implementation of the revised 2018 Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the World Health Organization's Implementation guidance in facilities providing maternity and new born services.

Breastfeeding is vital to the health and development of infants and has a significant impact on their mothers' health. The first few hours and days of a newborn's life are crucial for establishing successful breastfeeding, and mothers require adequate support during this period. The Faculty of Health Science at Villa College collaborated with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to organise this workshop, providing nursing diploma students with the necessary skills to become breastfeeding counsellors.

During the certificate awarding ceremony, Ms. Aishath Shahula Ahmed, a special guest, and the Rector of Villa College emphasised the positive impact of breastfeeding counselling on the country's health and economy. They emphasised the importance of building a healthy youth and how promoting breastfeeding can contribute to achieving this goal.

In conclusion, Villa College's breastfeeding counselling workshop was a resounding success, providing nursing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to support mothers in establishing successful breastfeeding practices. By hosting workshops such as this one, Villa College is contributing to the country's efforts to promote healthy practices and support the well-being of mothers and infants.