By SKS
As Sierra Leone launches its observance of World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF Representative Mariko Kagoshima issued a powerful call to action, emphasizing that “Breastfeeding is not only a mother’s responsibility. It is a shared responsibility at home, in the health system, in the workplace and across society.”
The official launch took place on Friday, July 31st, at the Peace Museum on Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown, marking the beginning of a week dedicated to promoting the vital importance of breastfeeding for children’s health, survival, and the nation’s development.
The event brought together key stakeholders such as government officials and healthcare practitioners, especially from the Ministry of health who expressed commitment to addressing the gaps that exist in breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week 2026 provides an opportunity for Sierra Leone to build on its progress in promoting breastfeeding, which is vital for child health, nutrition, and development.
The country has made significant strides, including surpassing WHO targets with over half of infants under six months being exclusively breastfed, increasing early initiation rates, and enacting supportive legislation. However, challenges remain, such as 19% of infants receiving water alongside breastmilk.
The theme emphasizes that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility across home, health systems, workplaces, and society, requiring increased investment in interventions like skilled counselling, Baby-Friendly practices, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, maternity protection, and community support to ensure every mother can successfully breastfeed.
In her speech at the conference, Kagoshima underscored the theme for this year’s campaign: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”. She passionately emphasized that “breastfeeding gives every child the best start in life. It protects babies from illness, reduces malnutrition, supports brain development, and improves survival and lifelong health.”
While Sierra Leone has made commendable strides—surpassing the WHO 2025 target for exclusive breastfeeding with a rate of 52.7% and increasing early initiation of breastfeeding from 57% in 2017 to 89% in 2021—the UNICEF representative cautioned that “we cannot lose momentum.” Despite these gains, nearly one in five infants under six months are given water in addition to breastmilk, even though breastmilk alone provides all the water and nutrients a baby need. Kagoshima highlighted the country’s policy achievements, including the Breast-milk Substitutes Act of 2021 and an impressive 99% alignment with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
“These reflect strong government leadership and the commitment of health workers, families, civil society, and partners,” she said. However, she stressed that “to truly protect these gains, we must make breastfeeding support available where mothers and babies need it most.” She outlined key areas for strengthening support: In health facilities, through skilled and respectful counselling; At delivery, with early initiation and Baby-Friendly practices; In workplaces, via maternity protection and breastfeeding-friendly spaces; In communities and families, through encouragement and practical support.
Her call to action resonated across sectors: “Breastfeeding is a shared responsibility, from policymakers to families. We all have a role to play in ensuring every mother receives the support she needs.”
UNICEF urged the government to keep breastfeeding high on the national agenda by implementing strong policies, adequate financing, and accountability. Employers are encouraged to create supportive workplaces, while media outlets are called upon to share accurate information and challenge misconceptions. Most importantly, families and communities are urged to stand with mothers, supporting their right to give every child the best start in life.
The UNICEF representative reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to collaborate with Sierra Leone’s government and partners to enhance maternal and child nutrition, strengthen health services, and foster community support. “Breastfeeding protects children, supports families, and invests in Sierra Leone’s future,” Kagoshima concluded.
As Sierra Leone observes this important week, the message is clear: by strengthening what works, the country can give every child a healthier, stronger, and more sustainable start in life.
