Gbediah Town, Rivercess County – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health (MOH) in partnership with UNICEF and several collaborating organizations, on Friday, December 5, 2025, commemorated World Breastfeeding Week at the Rivercess District Referral Hospital. The global campaign aims to raise awareness on the importance of breastfeeding for the health and development of infants and mothers.
The celebration began with a colorful parade through the main streets of Gbediah Town, drawing community members, health workers, local leaders, and partners who converged on the hospital compound for the official indoor program. The event also featured the launching of the First 1,000 Days Initiative, a critical nutrition program focusing on the period from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday.
Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, officially launching the initiative, urged mothers to prioritize breastfeeding, emphasizing its essential role in child growth and brain development. She encouraged communities to support pregnant women and nursing mothers, noting that good nutrition during the first 1,000 days lays the foundation for a healthy future. Dr. Kpoto commended County Health Officer Dr. Dyujay Karnga and his team for maintaining a clean and welcoming health facility, acknowledging the strong community involvement in improving health outcomes.
Also addressing the gathering, Dr. Bedee Duworko Gbozee, Director of the Nutrition Division at the MOH, highlighted the health benefits of breastfeeding. She explained that breast milk protects infants from short- and long-term illnesses such as infections, asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome. Dr. Gbozee emphasized that breast milk is naturally clean, nutritious, readily available, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child. She called for increased public support, including at workplaces, to normalize breastfeeding anytime and anywhere.
Representing UNICEF, Deputy Country Representative Amadou A. Eisse reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s maternal and child health efforts. He pledged that UNICEF will continue strengthening collaboration with the government to ensure the Ministry of Health achieves its nutrition and health targets, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
The 2025 World Breastfeeding Week celebration in Rivercess underscored the shared commitment of government, partners, and communities to improving child survival and promoting healthier families across Liberia.
