By: Mohamed Sahr
In a nationwide call to action during World Breastfeeding Week, the Ministry of Health has emphasized the need for radical inclusion to improve breastfeeding practices across Sierra Leone. This year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create a Sustainable Support System,” calls for collective responsibility and strengthened community engagement to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) breastfeeding targets.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, at the Youyi Building in Freetown, Dr. Charles Senesie, Deputy Minister of Health 1, highlighted that achieving 75% exclusive breastfeeding coverage by 2030 is not just a health target, but a national commitment.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is the ideal way to nourish newborns. It provides essential nutrients in the right proportions, protects against infections, neurological complications, and other underlying diseases,” Dr. Senesie stated.
He emphasized that breastfeeding also strengthens the immune system and contributes to the overall well-being of both mother and child. Globally, only 40% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies during the first six months but according to Dr. Senesie, Sierra Leone is already ahead of that figure, boasting a 52% exclusive breastfeeding rate.
Despite this progress, he acknowledged the existing challenges mothers face, including social, economic, and cultural barriers. He pointed out that the Bio-led administration has enacted laws and established breastfeeding-friendly facilities across the country to support mothers and overcome these obstacles.
“For breastfeeding to be successful, mothers need a strong and sustainable support system. Exclusive breastfeeding requires inclusive and collective efforts,” he added.
Andrew Sorie, Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, reiterated the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a child’s life, stressing that this early phase is critical to survival and healthy development.
“Life begins right from infancy. Breastfeeding during the first six months builds a healthy foundation for the child and, by extension, for the nation,” he said. He urged all ministries and government institutions to engage in a collective roles in promoting breastfeeding across the country.
Liv Elin Indreiten, Deputy Representative of UNICEF, emphasized that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility among families, communities, and institutions. She praised the country for achieving the 2025 target of 52% exclusive breastfeeding and expressed optimism for reaching the 75% target by 2030.
“Breastfeeding is a public concern. It helps develop a child’s brain, boosts immunity, and saves lives,” she said, calling on mothers to breastfeed for at least six months and urging everyone to treat breastfeeding as a national priority.
Umu Hawa Jalloh, Program Director of Helen Keller International, referenced religious texts to affirm the significance of breastfeeding, saying that child survival begins with the mother’s milk.
Millicent Gbenjen Allie, Chief Nutritionist at the Ministry of Health, said World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to educate the public about the cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits of breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding not only supports cognitive development and immunity but also strengthens the bond between mother and child,” she said. She encouraged fathers to actively support their partners during the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
