MOH Champions Breastfeeding, Opens New Nursing Room In Bopolu

By Catherine K Conteh

In an effort to combat the challenges of child malnutrition, the Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the World Bank, has launched a new breastfeeding room at the Emirates Hospital in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County.

The initiative, according to the Ministry of Health, is part of a broader effort to promote exclusive breastfeeding in Liberia and address the persistent challenges of child malnutrition and health disparities.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Bopolu, Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, praised the resilience and dedication of mothers across the country and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to promoting breastfeeding as a cornerstone of public health.

“Breast milk is a lifeline for our babies,” Dr. Cooper said. “It provides essential nutrients and strengthens their immune systems. We urge all mothers to embrace breastfeeding and spread this vital message within their communities,” Dr. Cooper said.

She believes that the launch of the facility will provide a private, comfortable space for mothers to nurse their babies, helping to normalize breastfeeding in public and professional settings.

She reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health remains dedicated to creating an environment where every mother feels empowered to breastfeed, knowing she has the support of her community and the healthcare system.

At the same time, the Assistant Minister for Preventative Services, Dr. Caullua Howe, highlighted the ongoing challenges of malnutrition and hidden hunger in Liberia.

She expressed concern over the declining rates of exclusive breastfeeding and stressed the need for renewed efforts to educate and support mothers. “Breastfeeding is not just a personal choice—it’s a public health priority,” Dr. Howe emphasized.

Dr. Howe emphasized that by ensuring that more mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, “we can significantly reduce child malnutrition and improve health outcomes across the country.”

Also, Dr. Bedee Duworko Gbozee, Director of the Nutrition Division at the Ministry of Health emphasized the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding, stressing that breastfeeding reduces the risk of various diseases and fosters stronger mother-child bonds.

“Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition,” Dr. Gbozee said. “It’s about providing a foundation for a healthy life. We must all support mothers in this journey, whether at home, in the community, or at the workplace.”

Meanwhile, throughout the event, mothers shared personal stories of how breastfeeding has positively impacted their lives and those of their children.

Angeline Gaflor, one of the mothers, spoke about her experience of breastfeeding for two years, noting that it kept her children healthy and strong.

Similarly, Kluba Mensco shared how exclusive breastfeeding served as a natural form of family planning and reduced household expenses.

World Breastfeeding Week, which is observed globally from September 6-8 each year, seeks to highlight the critical importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” underscores the need for inclusive support systems to ensure that all mothers can successfully breastfeed, regardless of their circumstances.

The event in Bopolu began with a vibrant parade through the city, culminating in a formal gathering at the Bopolu City Hall.

The highlight of the day was the official opening of the breastfeeding room at Emirates Hospital, a space dedicated to supporting working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding their infants after returning to work.