Breastfeeding Key to Child Survival, Sierra Leone Told as World Breastfeeding Week Begins
By: Sorie Sesay
The Ministry of Health, through its Directorate of Food and Nutrition, has called for stronger support for breastfeeding, describing it as one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve child survival, nutrition and national development.
The call was made during a press conference held in Freetown on July 31 to launch activities marking World Breastfeeding Week 2026, in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.
Director of the Directorate of Food and Nutrition, Millicent Mamie Allie, said this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” highlights the need to build on proven breastfeeding policies and practices that improve child nutrition, food security and family well-being.
She said breastfeeding remains one of the smartest investments a country can make, noting that it provides unmatched health and cognitive benefits for children while reducing healthcare costs and contributing to economic growth.
Allie acknowledged that Sierra Leone has recorded high breastfeeding rates but said challenges remain in exclusive breastfeeding. According to the 2021 Sierra Leone SMART Survey, 97.9 percent of children aged 0–23 months had been breastfed, 89.4 percent began breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, and 78.1 percent were still breastfeeding. However, only 52.7 percent of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, while 53.1 percent continued breastfeeding up to 23 months.
She said the Directorate appreciates the contribution of development partners in raising awareness and training health workers and community support groups to improve breastfeeding practices nationwide.
UNICEF Representative Mariko Kagoshima said the campaign theme is timely, stressing that breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions for protecting children’s health and securing a stronger future.
She noted that breastfeeding protects babies from illness, reduces malnutrition, supports brain development and improves long-term health outcomes, while also promoting mothers’ recovery and well-being.
Kagoshima said Sierra Leone has surpassed the WHO’s 2025 target for exclusive breastfeeding, achieving a national rate of 52.7 percent. She added that early initiation of breastfeeding increased from 57 percent in 2017 to 89 percent in 2021, placing Sierra Leone among the best-performing countries in the region.
She also highlighted the country’s policy progress, including the enactment of the Breast Milk Substitutes Act 2021, but warned that gains could be reversed if breastfeeding support is not sustained.
“Nearly one in five infants under six months in Sierra Leone are given water in addition to breast milk, even though breast milk alone provides all the water and nutrients a baby needs,” she said.
Kagoshima called for increased investment in skilled counselling at health facilities, early initiation of breastfeeding at birth, maternity protection in workplaces, breastfeeding-friendly environments and stronger community and family support.
She commended the Government of Sierra Leone, health workers, civil society organisations, the media and development partners for their continued commitment to maternal, infant and young child nutrition.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually to promote, protect and support optimal breastfeeding practices as a critical strategy for improving child survival, maternal health and sustainable development worldwide.
