The Federal Government, through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Ali Pate, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing maternal health outcomes.
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The initiative, unveiled during a recent press briefing in Abuja, the nations capital focuses on implementing the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO), recommendations for antenatal care to ensure a positive pregnancy experience.
According to Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachallom, said the inclusion of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women in the National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrients Deficiencies Control in Nigeria is geared towards Improving pregnancy outcomes compared to Iron Folic Acid (IFAs) supplementation.
Kachallom emphasized the adoption of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) during pregnancy, as outlined in the National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrients Deficiencies Control in Nigeria.
“The shift from the conventional Iron Folic Acid (IFAs), supplementation aims to significantly improve pregnancy outcomes,” she said.
Highlighting the urgency of scaling up MMS programs, the permanent Secretary stressed the need for efficient supply chain systems and increased awareness among mothers, communities, and healthcare providers.
“The Health Sector Renewal Investment Programmes third pillar targets the reduction of family planning product stock-out rates and emphasizes the importance of unlocking medical value chains,” she added.
Beyond accessibility, the Minister underscored the importance of disseminating information about MMS efficacy, especially to pregnant women.
“Recognizing the heightened nutritional demands during pregnancy, the role of Antenatal MMS in addressing deficiencies often unmet through diet alone, particularly in resource-poor settings,” she said.
Contrary to misconceptions, MMS is not a vaccine but is delivered in various forms such as tablets, capsules, powder, or liquid. The goal is to ensure equitable, efficient, and improved quality health outcomes for all Nigerians, regardless of geographical location or status.
The Permanent Secretary, of the ministry, Daju Kachallom who was represented by Director of Nutrition, Mrs. Bako Ayegbusi, highlighted the critical role of micronutrients in foetal development and maternal outcomes.
Referring to WHO guidelines, she stressed the importance of MMS, including Iron Folic Acid, during Antenatal Care to combat micronutrient deficiency prevalent among women of reproductive age.
Kachallom further emphasized that the country’s policies and National Guidelines recommend the daily oral consumption of one tablet of MMS for 180 days during pregnancy,
“The government is commited to prioritizing maternal health and fostering a positive pregnancy experience for all women in Nigeria,” she said.
