Liberia, China and UNICEF Launch a New US $3 million Project to Improve Child Nutrition During the First 1,000 Days

Monrovia, Liberia, 3 July 2026 – The Government of Liberia, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and UNICEF today launched a new US $3 million project, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, to strengthen child nutrition, maternal and newborn health, and essential services during the first 1,000 days of life.

The project, “Enhancing Child Nutrition in Liberia’s First 1,000 Days Through Health and Nutrition Services” will support Liberia’s efforts to improve survival, growth and development for newborns, infants, young children, pregnant women and mothers.

The first 1,000 days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, are among the most critical periods in a child’s life. During this window, proper nutrition, quality health care, safe water, hygiene, and responsive caregiving can shape a child’s health, brain development, learning potential and long-term wellbeing.

Through the grant, support will focus on strengthening health and nutrition services, building the capacity of frontline workers, procuring and distributing 

essential nutrition commodities, improving newborn care, and supporting community engagement on infant and young child feeding, breastfeeding, hygiene and caregiving practices.

The project will include training and capacity building for health workers, social workers and community health workers to improve maternal, adolescent, newborn and child nutrition services. It will also support the procurement and distribution of iron and folic acid supplements, ready-to-use therapeutic food, micronutrient powders and other essential nutrition supplies for pregnant women, adolescents and children.

In addition, the grant will help equip neonatal intensive care units and provide essential early newborn care supplies and equipment to health facilities to improve survival and quality of care for newborns. Community-level interventions will include infant and young child feeding counselling, parenting education, breastfeeding promotion, awareness campaigns, and the provision of WASH nutrition kits and hygiene supplies.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Al-bakir Nyei praised the partnership of China, UNICEF and the GoL for developing and promoting efficient health services for children that starts from inception. The Minister conveyed that he was “pleased that this milestone was reached to provide much needed nutrition services for children across the country. “

Speaking at the launch, Andrew Brooks, UNICEF Representative to Liberia, expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of China for their support to children in Liberia.

“I want to express our deep appreciation for the way China’s support will directly change lives for children,” said Brooks. “This grant comes at a critical time. Liberia continues to face serious challenges in neonatal and child survival. Neonatal mortality remains at 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, and this number has remained too stagnant over the years. We want these numbers to go down, and investments like this help us move closer to that goal.”

Brooks also emphasized the link between nutrition, health, safe water and child survival.

“In a country blessed with so much water, some families still face scarcity of safe water. Water contamination continues to play a role in under-five mortality. That is why this project is so important. It brings together nutrition, health, newborn care, hygiene and community engagement to support children at the stage of life when it matters most.”

H.E. Yin Chengwu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Liberia, reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s development priorities and improving the wellbeing of children and families.

“As a good friend and partner of Liberia, China is pleased to support this important initiative,” said Ambassador Yin. “We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the lives of the beneficiaries, especially mothers, newborns and young children.”

The Government of Liberia welcomed the grant as an important contribution to national efforts to reduce malnutrition, strengthen maternal and newborn health services, and improve access to essential support for children and families.

The project reflects the shared commitment of the Government of Liberia, the Government of the People’s Republic of China and UNICEF to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.

UNICEF will continue working closely with government ministries, frontline workers, communities and partners to deliver integrated services that protect the health, nutrition and development of children across Liberia.