Experts seek supplements introduction to reduce malnutrition, infant mortality

Health experts have canvassed the introduction of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) to combat anaemia and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

They believe that these supplements could transform the nation’s healthcare landscape, offering hope to millions of women and children. Anaemia is a condition marked by low levels of haemoglobin in the blood, the leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity, as well as mortality in Nigeria.

The Senior Behavioral Change Advisor for Maternal Health, working with FHI 360, Auwalu Kawu, led the call in Lagos at the two-day media workshop on enhancing media engagement in promoting multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) for maternal health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 40 per cent of pregnant women in Nigeria are anaemic, primarily due to poor nutrition and lack of access to essential nutrients.

This condition not only increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth but also contributes to low birth weight and premature deliveries, leading to higher rates of infant mortality.

WHO said the use of MMS during pregnancy, which typically contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, folic acid, vitamin A, zinc, and others, has shown to be more effective than traditional iron and folic acid supplementation alone.

As Nigeria continues its fight against high maternal and infant mortality rates, the adoption of multiple micronutrient supplements is seen as a game-changer that could help the country achieve its health targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The move not only promises a healthier future for mothers and their babies but also signifies progress in addressing broader public health challenges linked to malnutrition and inadequate healthcare services.

Kawu stressed that adequate steps have been taken by the government to transition from iron and folic acid supplement (IFA) to MMS, ensuring better birth outcomes.

He mentioned that IFA only addresses iron and folic acid deficiencies, leaving out other essential nutrients, noting that pregnant women need a broader range of vitamins and minerals for optimal health, which IFA does not provide.

Kawu explained that MMS contains about 15 of the essential nutrients that a pregnant woman will need and the government has made it readily available for free in all public healthcare facilities in the country.

“The government has provided it in every public facility and it is free. It is a daily dosage drug and the facility provides them with a bottle which is expected to last every three months,” he said.

The Guardian gathered that pregnancy increases the daily requirement of several vitamins and minerals to meet the nutritional needs of the developing fetus and other metabolic functions and MMS is designed to address these heightened demands, which are often not met through diet.

Kawu stressed that MMS is addressing a fundamental challenge in pregnant women. “MMS provides 15 essential vitamins and minerals for both mother and baby.”

MMS reduces the risk of anaemia, low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth more effectively than IFA.

“MMS Provides broader nutritional support, including vitamins A, C, D, zinc, calcium, and more, it improves cognitive development in children and reduces neonatal mortality and it’s cost-effective in the long term with significant reductions in adverse pregnancy outcomes,” he said.

He added that the success of the initiative, however, hinges on raising awareness among communities and ensuring that supplements are accessible and affordable for all women, especially those in rural and underserved areas.