FG DETERMINED TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH ..... Rolls Out Millions of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements

Prof Muhammad Ali Pate
Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare 

"In Nigeria, Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) remains the most common micronutrient deficiency, affecting over 60% of pregnant women, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018." FMoH&SW 


In order to address the nutritional needs and significantly reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency of pregnant women in Nigeria, the federal government has remained consistent in sustaining the roll out of millions of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS). 

This initiative of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aligns with the WHO recommendations and the Ministry’s second pillar of our 4-point agenda to improve population health outcomes, particularly in light of the Global Nutritional Report 2022, which revealed that the country was a long way from reducing anaemia among women of reproductive age.  

According to a statement issued and signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Health, Ado Bako, "In Nigeria, Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) remains the most common micronutrient deficiency, affecting over 60% of pregnant women, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 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, stillbirths, and developmental delays in children." The statement read.

"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 with a proven ability to reduce the risk of low birth weight by 21% stillbirths by 9%, and small for gestational age (SGA) cases by 10%.

"Consequently, the introduction of MMS is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to enhance maternal and child health services. In 2021, MMS was incorporated into the National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiencies, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving nutrition as an integral component of antenatal care (ANC).

The statement further reveals that, "the national rollout of MMS is being coordinated through antenatal care (ANC) services, with distribution taking place at primary health centres (PHCs) during routine services. The estimated demand for 2024 is approximately 421 million MMS tablets to meet the needs of pregnant women.

"So far, over 1.3 million bottles have been distributed across 12 states, with an additional 3 million bottles scheduled for delivery by the end of September. The Ministry is also scaling up efforts through research initiatives and partnerships with non-state actors to enhance effective community-based distribution.

"While recent support and donations from various international partners like UNICEF and the Bill & 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 we already have allocated to the rollout."

The statement further stated that; "In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s goal to increase and prioritise local production in the country, the Federal Government is working with local manufacturers to ensure sustained supply and reduced importation of MMS, in order to strengthen the country’s health and economic sectors.

"Furthermore, to maximize the impact of this rollout, the Ministry has deployed Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) interventions, engaging families, communities, and healthcare providers to raise awareness of the benefits of MMS and promote compliance among pregnant women. In the coming weeks, a National Roadmap (2024-2027) will be launched to ensure continuous and equitable distribution of MMS nationwide prioritizing high-risk areas and ensuring that local adaptations meet the specific needs of each state.

"The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains dedicated to providing access to affordable and qualitative healthcare services, the introduction of MMS represents a milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing pursuit. This programme is a testament to the Government’s commitment to a healthier future." It concluded 






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