Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has launched the Implementation Research Project for the Optimizing Adherence to Maternal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS).
The launch which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in collaboration with Nutrition International was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Mohammad said the launch is coming at the right time as the State is focusing its attention on improving the quality of health care for the citizens.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Head of Micronutrient Deficiency, John Wruakpa, announced the introduction of Antenatal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women as a new strategy to address the issue of anemia in pregnancy.
He explained that the team from the ministry was in Bauchi with Nutrition International on impact assessment for the gradual introduction of MMS.
Wruakpa said the introduction of MMS is to reduce the risk of anemia in pregnancy.
“Today we officially launch MMS in Bauchi state as one of the pilot states in the country to see the gradual introduction of the micronutrient alongside Iron and folic acid that is presently in use.”
He noted that the 1st of February 2024 marks the commencement of simultaneous use of the MMS and IFAS by pregnant women across the country.
“The Minister had formally launched the introduction of MMS in Abuja, now we are here in Bauchi state to do the same thing.”
The head of Nutrition noted that the ministry is not phrasing out IFAS, stating that the research being carried out is in line with WHO recommendations.
“MMS contains IFAS, it has 30mg of micronutrients of iron and 400mg of folic acid. It will be given where IFAS is not available. The two will be given simultaneously until such a time that it will be available all over.”
Regional Director, Africa Nutrition International Nairo Kenya, Evelyn Murey said the research project focus is on transitioning pregnant women from iron and folic acid supplementation to multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy.
“The maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation has been proven to be more effective in improving birth outcomes which is why it’s been introduced into routine ANC.”
Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr Adamu Sambo noted that the State’s indices for anemia in women of reproductive age is at 68.6%.
This, he said calls for the introduction of maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation and gradual transition from using iron folic acid to MMS, this new strategic intervention will prevent or reduce the prevalence of maternal anemia if properly implemented.
He then commended the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Bauchi State Government, and Development Partners for reviewing, domesticating, and adapting nutrition policies and guidelines that recommend the use of Multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant mothers.
This intervention appears boldly in Micronutrient Deficiency Control Guideline Document (MNDC).
“As you all know, the general objective of this research project is to understand and explore how to improve adherence to maternal micronutrient supplementation in Bauchi State, elevate and advance maternal nutrition by improving adherence to micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy.”
Sambo called on all stakeholders to support the State in actualizing the MMS transition.
He explained that the MMS transition project will cover both primary and secondary health facilities to address gaps between the nutrition services and supplements received, compared to what is accepted and consumed during pregnancy, and post-natal care.
The Commissioner appreciated the Nutrition International project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the provision of 90,000 Bottle of Multiple Micronutrients Supplements to the State that have been used in selected health facilities in three piloted LGAs of Dass, Ganjuwa, and Giade since November 2023.
By Lizzy Carr
