Abuja:Health experts and advocates are urging governments to enhance the availability of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women to reduce maternal deaths and improve infant health across Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, an update from the Nigerian Goal Keepers Community emphasized the persistent shortages and gaps in maternal nutrition. Iron-deficiency anaemia affects an estimated 60 percent of pregnant women in Nigeria, contributing to the country’s significant maternal health challenges.
Dr. Ayodele Renner, a consultant paediatrician, highlighted the importance of MMS in preventing iron deficiency and supporting cognitive development in babies. Since their introduction in 2021, about 1.3 million Nigerian women have received the supplements, with an additional three million benefiting through UNICEF support. However, coverage remains inadequate compared to the approximately 12 million pregnancies recorded annually in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for expanded access.
Renner described the transition from traditional iron and folic acid supplements to MMS as an affordable intervention, with each pill costing around N27. He urged the government to expand access, citing potential health benefits for mothers and children as justification for increased investment.
Maternal health specialist Hauwa Abbas emphasized that pregnant women require adequate nutrients for the development of their babies’ brains, organs, and blood supply. Abbas noted that wider access to MMS could prevent severe anaemia, reduce the risk of stunted growth, and improve health outcomes for mothers and children.
A study by the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) revealed that 80 percent of pregnant women surveyed experienced MMS stockouts at health facilities, with 25 percent of facilities taking over two months to replenish supplies. The study pointed out the insufficiency of donor supplies to meet the needs of millions of pregnancies annually, despite Nigeria’s adoption of MMS in 2021 with a target of 70 percent coverage by 2030.
Advocates are calling for the integration of MMS into routine antenatal care guidelines and its inclusion as a standard component of maternal healthcare. They also recommend federal and state governments allocate dedicated budgets to ensure consistent availability in healthcare facilities and suggest collaboration among stakeholders to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.
Experts assert that increased awareness among healthcare workers and communities is essential to encourage pregnant women to seek antenatal care and understand the benefits of adequate micronutrient supplementation. They stress that sustained government funding, reliable supply systems, and improved public awareness are crucial to expanding coverage and protecting maternal and child health nationwide.