To enhance the nutritional status of pregnant women in Nigeria, the Federal Government has distributed more than 1.3 million bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements in 12 states.
Additionally, an extra three million bottles are set to be delivered by the end of September.
Mr. Ado Bako, the acting Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, made this announcement in a statement released on a Sunday in Abuja.
The purpose of these supplements is to cater to the specific nutritional requirements of pregnant women and to significantly decrease the instances of micronutrient deficiencies.
NAIJATRAFFIC Reports that , These Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) contain a daily combination of 15 vital vitamins and minerals, such as iron and folic acid, which are essential for promoting healthier pregnancies and better birth outcomes.
The main goal of this initiative is to lower the rates of maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.
The decision to introduce MMS was based on the 2020 recommendation from the World Health Organization regarding antenatal care to enhance the overall pregnancy experience.
This move aligns with WHO guidelines and is part of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance health outcomes as outlined in its four-point agenda.
This action is all the more crucial considering the findings from the Global Nutrition Report 2022 indicating a significant challenge in reducing anemia among women of reproductive age in the country.
“In Nigeria, Iron Deficiency Anaemia remains the most common micronutrient deficiency, affecting 60 per cent of pregnant women, according to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018.
“These deficiencies not only put women at higher risk of severe health complications during pregnancy but also increase the likelihood of low birth weight, stillbirth and developmental delays in children.
“MMS offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges. The daily supplement containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals designed to be taken throughout pregnancy, has emerged as a cost-effective solution in global maternal health interventions.
“This is with a proven ability to reduce the risk of low birth weight by 21 per cent, stillbirth by nine per cent, and Small for Gestational Age cases by 10 per cent.”
Bako explained that the rollout of Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to boost maternal and child health services.
He noted that MMS was integrated into national guidelines in 2021, showcasing the government’s dedication to nutrition as a crucial aspect of antenatal care.
The government aims to distribute 421 million MMS tablets in 2024 to meet the needs of pregnant women.
“While recent support and donations from various international partners like UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have been beneficial to this initiative, it is imperative to note that the doses received are merely a top-up to the doses already allocated for the rollout.”
