Nigeria targets expanded MMS coverage for pregnant women, seeks shift from donor dependency

Nigeria is prioritizing the expansion of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women, signaling a strategic shift towards greater self-sufficiency. Health authorities are actively promoting increased domestic manufacturing and sustainable financing models to lessen dependence on external donor support.

During a validation meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Olufunmilola Adegbite, Director and Head of the Nutrition Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the critical role of local production. "Local production will be critical in achieving the country’s ambition for reaching pregnant women with MMS and ensuring long-term sustainability," she stated. Adegbite highlighted that local manufacturing would enhance supplement availability, decrease import reliance, and fortify supply chains against global disruptions.

A recent market landscape analysis, covering six diverse states, examined financing systems and implementation requirements for a nationwide MMS scale-up. The study assessed existing health financing mechanisms and crucial enablers like supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. MMS, which are daily antenatal supplements containing essential vitamins and minerals, are known to reduce risks associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery.

Nigeria has made strides in adopting global maternal nutrition standards, with MMS approved in 2021 and integrated into national guidelines. However, Adegbite noted that sustainable financing remains a significant hurdle for wider access and effective implementation, with mechanisms like the National Health Insurance Authority and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund needing further development.

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Local production will be critical in achieving the country’s ambition for reaching pregnant women with MMS and ensuring long-term sustainability.