The Civil Society on Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has urged the Lagos State government to integrate the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in its Antenatal Care Protocol in health facilities, reports ITREALMS.
The Executive Secretary, CS-SUNN, Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo made these calls in a press statement during a media engagement for improved reportage on the uptake of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for Anaemia Prevention and Control in Nigeria held in Lagos on Tuesday.
Okoronkwo who was represented by the Steering Committee Team Lead on Partnership and Collaboration at CS-SUNN, Mrs. Eberechukwu Okey-Onyema, noted that by Lagos integration of MMS into the Antenatal Care Protocols in health facilities, would ensure that every pregnant woman receives comprehensive micronutrient support.
Describing MMS as a cost-effective intervention that substantially improve maternal nutrition outcomes. Stressing that MMS contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, which ensure significant improvement in birth outcomes.
“Research indicates that daily MMS intake during pregnancy can prevent anaemia, promote healthy pregnancy outcomes, and reduce the likelihood of low birth weights. This powerful, preventive intervention has a high potential for impact in Lagos State,” Okoronkwo said.
Malnutrition, the Executive Secretary said, poses a persistent and escalating threat to the well-being of women and children worldwide.
”It is also essential to equip healthcare providers with the necessary training to effectively deliver MMS and educate mothers on the importance of this intervention. Establishing robust systems for monitoring MMS distribution to prevent stockouts and ensure that supplies are consistently available in both rural and urban healthcare facilities is key.”
In the coming weeks, he said, CS-SUNN will contribute to these efforts by building the capacity of civil society organizations to effectively track and monitor MMS coverage, uptake, and adherence among pregnant women, thereby enhancing data availability and supporting evidence-based advocacy for improved maternal nutrition.
He cited an instance with the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet, which showed that one billion women lack access to adequate nutrition and balanced diets-essential for survival and growth through every stage of life globally, maintaining that two out of every three women of reproductive age suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, severely impacting maternal and child health outcomes.
“In Nigeria, recent findings from the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed an increase in malnutrition levels in the country when compared to data from five years ago.
“This worrisome development requires an urgent and more coordinated response to address the rising malnutrition crisis.
“The survey showed that nationally, 4 out of every 10 (40%) children under five are stunted (compared to the 37% stunting rate in 2018) with about 5 (55%) out of 10 women of reproductive age suffering anaemia. Kaduna state mirrors these national challenges, with even more pronounced rates of malnutrition among children. In Lagos state, the data revealed that 1-2 children out of every 10 children under-five (17.3%) are stunted, about one (6.0%) out of every 20 children are underweight with about two (14.3%) out of every 10 children suffering wasting,” he said.
Okoronkwo lamented that these numbers are but lives and those of current and next generations, which could continue to be impacted by these conditions that collectively hinder growth/cognitive development, weaken immunity, increase vulnerability to illness/death and even contribute to reduced productivity later in adulthood.
He recalled in 2021, following the WHO’s updated nutritional recommendation and guidelines, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare approved the use of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements during pregnancy through its updated National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria.
He explained that CS-SUNN, in partnership with international and national stakeholders, has been at the forefront of advocating for the adoption and scale-up of MMS in Nigeria.
"With organizations such as UNICEF, Alive & Thrive, Results for Development among others, CS-SUNN is dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes through MMS interventions," he said.
These collaborations, Okoronkwo said, have allowed CS-SUNN to support the Nigerian government in policy reviews and advocacy efforts to integrate MMS into standard antenatal care protocols, prioritize MMS in national and state health policies.
Remmy Nweke/DoP
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