The Implementation Research Project Launch for the “Optimizing Adherence to Maternal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS)" has been performed in Bauchi state by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The launch was performed by the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, on Thursday.
It was collaboration between the Bauchi State Government with Nutrition International and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, a Director and Head of Micronutrient Deficiency, Mr John Wruakpa, announced the introduction of Antenatal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant (MMS) as a new way to tackle issue of anemia in pregnancy in Nigeria.
The Director explained that his team was in Bauchi with International Nutrition to see the impact assessment of the gradual introduction of MMS which he said Nigeria as a country has joined its implementation.
He stressed that the introduction of MMS is to reduce risk of anemia in pregnancy and ensure that women undergo pregnancy stages without much stress.
John Wruakpa said that the MMS will be officially launched in Bauchi state as one of the pilot states in the country to see the gradual introduction of the nutrient alongside the Iron and folic acid presently in use.
According to him, "By the 1st of February, we will commence to simultaneous use of the MMS and the 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 same thing."
He however stressed that," We are not actually phasing out IFAS, it has been there for long even before we were born. This is a research according to WHO, before you can introduce a new drug, you must conduct implementation research, that is what we are doing here."
"It is after the implementation research which is going on for 3 years before we get to the decision of fully introduction of MMS. Nigeria is a very large country with a population, everything will be done in a gradual process," he added.
He further explained that,"MMS contains IFAS, it has 30mg of micro nutrients of iron and 400mg of folic acid. It will be given where there is no IFAS available. The two will be given simultaneously until such a time that it will be available all over."
He lamented since the start of the use of IFAS, anemia in pregnancy has not stopped and there has been adjustment on that the world over, Nigeria cannot be an exception the more reason MMS was introduced to have a stressfree pregnancy period.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner of Health, Dr Adamu Umaru Sambo noted that, according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2018), Nigeria has the second highest burden of maternal mortality in the world.
He said that the country is contributing to approximately 15 per cent of the annual total of global maternal deaths adding that Nigeria's neo-natal death rate is 39 for every 1,000 live births and 23% of the maternal deaths which are caused by hemorrhage; 17% infection, 11% toxemia, anemia, obstructed labour, malaria and unsafe abortions.
The Commissioner added that, "Furthermore, Bauchi State's indices for anemia in women of reproductive age is at 68.6%, and these calls for the introduction of maternal multiple micronutrients 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 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 Micronutrients supplement 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 advancing maternal nutrition by improving adherence to micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy," he added.
According to him,"Importantly, I would like to appeal to all stakeholders that all hands must be on deck in Bauchi State to see the actualization of this MMS transition project for improved results in our maternal health."
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, ANC, and PNCs. In this case, pregnant women will be asked to switch from IFA to MMS.
Consequently, efforts should be made to leveraging the political will of the current pragmatic Government of Sen. Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State in achieving the desired goals as indicated in the administrations 'S-points health agenda.
Strengthening primary health care, Routine Immunization, Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Services including Nutrition and Access to quality and cost-effective essential drugs including consumables and laboratory service.
Also, demand creation activities via Health Education, Awareness Creation and strategic communication.
The Commissioner informed the audience that Nutrition International project is being funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the project was able to provide more than 90,000 Bottle of Multiple Micronutrients Supplement which are currently available in the state central and zonal medical stores, and the distribution of these commodities already commenced in November 2023 to the selected health facilities in three piloted LGAs of Dass, Ganjuwa and Giade.
He then appreciated Nutrition International for their prompt and unique intervention aimed at supporting a positive pregnancy experience improve women's wellbeing and reduce the risk of anaemia in pregnancy, wit the goal of maximizing health outcomes for women and their babies in Bauch State.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Alive & Thrive fhi360, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations, NAPHCDA, USAID and CARE International who all stressed the importance of the MMS in checking anemia during pregnancy.
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