By Gloria Ikibah
Efforts to improve maternal health in Nigeria have received a boost with the delivery of 3 million bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in 2024, facilitated by the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) under UNICEF’s management.
According to a statement by UNICEF, another 3 million bottles are expected in 2025 to support pregnant women across the country. However, with around 12 million pregnancies recorded annually, the demand for these essential supplements remains high.
it stated that Nigeria continues to face significant maternal health challenges, with a maternal mortality rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births.
It further stated that many newborns are also born underweight or prematurely, increasing their risk of complications. Poor maternal nutrition is a key factor, with widespread deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, Vitamin A, and folate, as highlighted by the 2024 National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey.
The 2024 shipment of MMS was made possible through a donation from Kirk Humanitarian Foundation and distributed during the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW). The 2025 batch, also supported by Kirk Humanitarian through the CNF, aims to expand coverage and reach more pregnant women in need.
“Ensuring that pregnant women receive the necessary micronutrients is a vital step in reducing maternal mortality and improving child health.
“This donation is a testament to our commitment to supporting the Government of Nigeria in scaling MMS coverage and making maternal health a national priority”, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate said.
With approximately 12 million pregnancies recorded in Nigeria in 2024, as reported by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the demand for Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) remains high. Expanding access to these supplements is essential to improving maternal and child health outcomes. To achieve this, increased investment from both the Federal and State Governments is necessary, leveraging the 1:1 match fund mechanism of the Child Nutrition Fund to enhance MMS procurement and distribution nationwide.
“Nigeria is taking decisive steps to address maternal nutrition challenges. The inclusion of MMS in our Essential Medicines List and investments in local production are key milestones in ensuring sustainable access.
“The government remains committed to expanding this initiative to reach every pregnant woman in need”, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare said.
“We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort to improve maternal and child health in Nigeria,” said Spencer Kirk, Founder of Kirk Humanitarian.
Providing MMS at scale is one of the most impactful ways to support healthy pregnancies and ensure better outcomes for mothers and babies. Our goal is to continue working with partners to expand this initiative further
UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in scaling up MMS coverage and strengthening maternal and child health interventions. Nigeria has taken a pioneering step by being one of the first countries to include MMS in the Essential Medicines List and invest in local manufacturing of MMS, ensuring long-term sustainability and accessibility.
The Child Nutrition Fund, managed by UNICEF, is supported by a coalition of global partners, including the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, the Gates Foundation, and Kirk Humanitarian. This fund provides a sustainable financing model that ensures more pregnant women receive essential micronutrients for a healthy pregnancy and improved birth outcomes.