The Federal Government has given its approval for pregnant women in the country to transition from Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) to Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS).
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Pate, announced the decision yesterday in Abuja, emphasizing the need for improved pregnancy outcomes.
The decision comes in the wake of the 2018 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), revealing that approximately 61% of pregnant women in the country suffer from anaemia.
Maternal anaemia not only poses an increased risk of death but also contributes to poor pregnancy and birth outcomes. To address this health concern, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed MMS as a safe and cost-effective means to meet the micronutrient requirements of pregnant women.
The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) had previously approved the use of MMS during pregnancy in 2021 through its updated National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiencies (MNDC) in Nigeria Guideline.
The transition aims to ensure that every pregnant woman takes MMS once daily for 180 days during pregnancy. It’s important to note that IFAS will not be phased out, and health facilities with access to it will continue its use.
Representing Prof Mohammed Pate, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Kachollom Daju, emphasized the importance of pregnant women consuming the right dose of MMS at the right time and with the right frequency for it to be effective.
Acknowledging the support from entities like the Bill and Melinda Gates (BMG) Nutrition International, donors, development partners, and health agencies at both federal and state levels, the Minister expressed gratitude to those contributing to improved maternal health, nutrition, and pregnancy outcomes.
