(Monrovia, Liberia, July 16, 2026) — The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday launched the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Booklet at its head office in Congo Town as part of efforts to strengthen nutrition practices and reduce malnutrition among children across Liberia.

Delivering the welcome remarks, Assistant Minister for Policy and Planning, Hon. Memezie Peabody Kiadii, described the booklet as a significant step toward improving child survival and promoting healthy feeding practices among mothers and caregivers.

“The health and well-being of our children remain a national priority. This booklet will serve as an important guide for parents, caregivers, and health workers in ensuring that children receive proper nutrition during the critical stages of growth and development,” Minister Kiadii said.

Providing an overview of the initiative, Director of the Nutrition Division, Dr. Bedee Duworko Gbozee, disclosed that the booklet was developed to address persistent challenges associated with child malnutrition and poor feeding practices.

“As nutrition professionals, we often emphasize that the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. During this critical period, a child’s brain develops rapidly, immunity is strengthened, and the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and productivity is established,” Dr. Gbozee noted.

“When this window is missed, many of the consequences of poor nutrition can have lasting effects that may never be fully reversed. This booklet simplifies key nutritional messages and provides practical guidance that can easily be understood and implemented by families and communities,” she added.

Dr. Gbozee explained that the booklet translates scientific knowledge into practical guidance that can be applied by mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers, community volunteers, and health workers.

According to her, the booklet promotes early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, continued breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods, dietary diversity, responsive feeding, food hygiene, and the preparation of nutritious meals using locally available foods.

She emphasized that one of the booklet’s most remarkable features is its focus on local food resources.

“Good nutrition does not necessarily depend on expensive imported products. Liberia is blessed with nutritious foods found in our farms, gardens, rivers, and local markets. When properly prepared and utilized, these foods can significantly improve child nutrition and help prevent malnutrition,” she said.

Describing the booklet as an investment in Liberia’s future, Dr. Gbozee noted that every healthy child contributes to stronger schools, healthier communities, a more productive workforce, and ultimately a more prosperous nation.

She also acknowledged the contributions of government institutions, development partners, health professionals, and communities whose collaboration made the development and launch of the booklet possible.

Officially launching the booklet, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, Dr. Cuallau Jabbbeh Howe, stressed that investment in child nutrition is fundamentally an investment in Liberia’s future.

“Nutrition is not merely a health issue; it is a national development issue. Children who receive proper nutrition are more likely to perform better in school, become productive citizens, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Dr. Howe said.

She called on health workers, community leaders, and families to utilize the booklet as a practical resource in promoting optimal feeding practices throughout the country.

Partners, including Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), UN Nutrition agencies comprising FAO, UNICEF and WHO, the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement, and Concern Worldwide, made separate remarks reaffirming their commitment to supporting Liberia’s nutrition and food security agenda.

The Ministry of Health said the launch of the booklet forms part of broader national efforts to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition and accelerate progress toward achieving better health outcomes for women and children across Liberia.