UNICEF, Partners Deliver Three Million Bottles Of Micronutrient Supplements

ABUJA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), has provided three million bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve maternal health in Nigeria. 

An additional three million bottles will arrive in 2025 to support more pregnant women. 

With 12 million pregnancies annually, Nigeria faces critical maternal health challenges, including one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. Many babies are also born with low birth weight or prematurely, increasing the risk of infant mortality. 

The National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (2024) revealed widespread deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin A, and folate among pregnant women in Nigeria. 

These nutritional gaps contribute significantly to maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes. 

The first batch of MMS was donated by Kirk Humanitarian Foundation and distributed during the 2024 Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW). 

The 2025 batch, also donated by Kirk Humanitarian, aims to expand coverage and ensure that more pregnant women receive essential nutrients. 

UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Cristian Munduate, emphasized the importance of maternal nutrition in reducing maternal deaths and improving child health. 

“Ensuring that pregnant women receive the necessary micronutrients is a vital step in reducing maternal mortality and improving child health. This donation supports Nigeria’s efforts in making maternal health a national priority,” she said. 

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing maternal nutrition challenges through initiatives like the inclusion of MMS in the Essential Medicines List and investments in local production. 

To meet the needs of pregnant women, Federal and state governments are encouraged to invest in MMS procurement through the Child Nutrition Fund’s 1:1 match funding mechanism. 

“Nigeria is taking decisive steps to ensure sustainable access to MMS for all pregnant women. Expanding this initiative will significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes,” Pate stated.