UNICEF Calls For Scale-up Of Micronutrient Supplements

The United Nations Children‘s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasised the critical role of essential micronutrients in reducing maternal mortality and improving child health in Nigeria.

The organisation is calling for increased investment in Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to support pregnant women.

Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates globally, recording 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. Many newborns are also born underweight or prematurely, increasing their risk of complications and death. Malnutrition, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, is a major factor contributing to these poor maternal and child health outcomes.

The 2024 National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey revealed widespread deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and folate among pregnant women in Nigeria. These deficiencies can lead to complications such as anemia, birth defects, and low birth weight, significantly affecting both maternal and infant survival.

Recognising the urgency of this issue, the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), managed by UNICEF, facilitated the donation of three million bottles of MMS in 2024 to improve maternal health.

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The organisation announced that an additional three million bottles will be received in 2025 to expand coverage. However, with an estimated 12 million pregnancies annually in Nigeria, the organization stressed the need for greater efforts to ensure universal access to these life-saving supplements.

The Federal Government has taken significant steps to tackle maternal nutrition challenges, including adding MMS to the Essential Medicines List and investing in local production to ensure sustainability.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, reaffirmed the government‘s commitment to these initiatives. „Nigeria is taking decisive steps to improve maternal and child health. The inclusion of MMS in our Essential Medicines List and our investments in local manufacturing will ensure that more pregnant women have access to the nutrients they need,“ he stated.