Multi-Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) have been identified as a crucial tool in preventing malnutrition and reducing child mortality, anemia, and other micronutrient deficiencies in women and children under 5.
MMS contains 13-15 vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid, designed to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant women.
According to Chidiebere Asimobi, Team Lead of Alive and Thrive fhi360 in Bauchi State, MMS has been proven to improve pregnancy experience and maternal survival. He stressed that MMS usage leads to a reduction in preterm births, babies considered small-for-gestational age, and low birth weight, and can also lead to fewer stillbirths.
Asimobi noted that infants born to women receiving MMS who are underweight and anemic have a 15% reduction in the risk of neonatal and infant mortality. He emphasized that there is no evidence of harm or toxicity from exceeding the upper intake level of MMS, which is quite tolerated by most pregnant women.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, declared open a 2-day workshop on the review of Essential Medicines List (EML) for adults and children in Bauchi State. He stated that the workshop came at the right time when all hands were on deck to improve the health and well-being of the people of Bauchi State under the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.
The Commissioner commended the immense contributions of Alive and Thrive fhi360 in the Bauchi State health sector and recalled that the State, under Governor Bala Mohammed, had convened the first health summit in Northern Nigeria that drew a blueprint for the state health sector. He emphasized that the health sector in the State has been receiving topmost priority since the inception of the present government in 2019.
MMS are prenatal supplements designed to improve maternal and child health outcomes, especially in areas with high rates of micronutrient deficiencies. They are daily supplements containing a combination of vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid, designed to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant women.
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