The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has announced that Sierra Leone has achieved a 54% exclusive breastfeeding rate, marking a significant milestone in the country’s health sector. This achievement aligns with sustainable development goals.

This revelation was made during the commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2025. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” which emphasis building structures that support mothers and infants. Breastfeeding simply means feeding an infant only milk, without other liquids or solids except for prescribed vitamins or medications.

Speaking to journalists during the breastfeeding week celebration, Deputy Health Minister Professor Charles Senesie described the progress as a product of the country’s holistic approach to healthcare. He noted that Sierra Leone’s 54% exclusive breastfeeding rate is an encouraging step towards the global World Health Assembly target of 70%.

“We look at the factors of the journey of life, which is why we have successfully reduced maternal mortality,” Senesie said. “Our goal is to achieve zero preventable maternal deaths by 2030, and promoting breastfeeding is central to this.”

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The Minister also highlighted the recent enactment of the Breastmilk Act; a legislative effort introduced under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration to promote and protect exclusive breastfeeding nationwide. He called for stronger collaboration among health professionals, community leaders, and families to further improve breastfeeding practices.

This year’s WBW is being observed under the global theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” emphasizing the need for long-term structural and social support for nursing mothers. Events and campaigns across the country are focused on raising awareness of breastfeeding’s health and developmental benefits.

Liv Elin Indreiten, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Sierra Leone, commended the country’s progress but also encouraged continued efforts to reach the 2030 target of 75%.

“Breastfeeding is vital for the health of mothers and children worldwide,” Indreiten said. “It takes a village health workers, families, especially fathers to create an environment where mothers can breastfeed successfully. We must ensure that homes, health centers, workplaces, and communities provide that support.”

Chief Nutritionist at the Ministry of Health, Millicent Gbenjen Allie, echoed these sentiments, sharing her own experience with exclusive breastfeeding. She urged new mothers to persist despite challenges and encouraged partners and families to play a more active role in supporting mothers.

“Supporting mothers during breastfeeding is vital for securing the next generation,” Allie stated, adding that proper nutrition for both mothers and children must also be prioritized. She warned against the growing consumption of junk food, calling it a threat to national health progress.

The breastfeeding rate in Sierra Leone, though showing improvement, still falls short of the global benchmark. Health authorities and international partners stress the need for stronger workplace policies, public education, and continued investments in maternal and child health to ensure further progress.

World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1 to 7, is a global campaign coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) to raise awareness and galvanize action on breastfeeding’s importance.