BEING A PRESS STATEMENT DURING A MEDIA ENGAGEMENT FOR IMPROVED REPORTAGE ON THE UPTAKE OF MULTIPLE MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS (MMS) FOR ANAEMIA PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN NIGERIA HELD IN LAGOS STATE ON 26TH NOVEMBER 2024
I warmly welcome you to this media engagement, as we convene with a unified goal; to address the urgent and escalating challenge of maternal and child malnutrition, focusing particularly on anaemia; a preventable, yet prevalent cause of maternal and child mortality.
Malnutrition poses a persistent and escalating threat to the well-being of women and children worldwide. According to the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet, one billion women lack access to adequate nutrition and balanced diets- essential for survival and growth through every stage of life globally. Shockingly, two out of every three women of reproductive age suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, severely impacting maternal and child health outcomes.
In Nigeria, recent findings from the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reveal an increase in malnutrition levels in the country when compared to data from five years ago. This worrisome development requires an urgent and more coordinated response to address the rising malnutrition crisis. The survey showed that nationally, 4 out of every 10 (40%) children under five are stunted (compared to the 37% stunting rate in 2018) with about 5 (55%) out of 10 women of reproductive age suffering anaemia. Kaduna state mirrors these national challenges, with even more pronounced rates of malnutrition among children. In Lagos state, the data revealed that 1-2 children out of every 10 children under-five (17.3%) are stunted,about one (6.0%) out of every 20 children are underweight with about two (14.3%) out of every 10 children suffering wasting.
These are not just numbers; but lives and those of current and next generations. These lives continue to be impacted by these conditions that collectively hinder growth/cognitive development, weaken immunity, increase vulnerability to illness/death and even contribute to reduced productivity later in adulthood.
In 2021, following the WHO’s updated nutritional recommendation and guidelines, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare approved the use of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements during pregnancy through its updated National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria.
Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) have emerged as a cost-effective intervention that substantially improve maternal nutrition outcomes. MMS contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring significant improvement in birth outcomes. Research indicates that daily MMS intake during pregnancy can prevent anaemia, promote healthy pregnancy outcomes, and reduce the likelihood of low birth weights. This powerful, preventive intervention has a high potential for impact in Lagos State.
CS-SUNN, in partnership with international and national stakeholders, has been at the forefront of advocating for the adoption and scale-up of MMS in Nigeria. With organizations such as UNICEF, Alive & Thrive, Results for Development among others, CS-SUNN is dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes through MMS interventions. These collaborations have allowed CS-SUNN to support the Nigerian government in policy reviews and advocacy efforts to integrate MMS into standard antenatal care protocols, prioritize MMS in national and state health policies. The alliance strongly contributed to the inclusion of MMS in the Essential Medicines List.
The Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is a catalytic financing matching fund by UNICEF that enables national governments to double their investments in essential nutrition commodities including MMS, for the prevention and treatment of anaemia. Now is the time for Lagos State to take bold action through strategic investments in MMS to drastically reduce anaemia rates, improve pregnancy outcomes, and give the next generation in this state a healthier start in life. Through the Child Nutrition Fund, the Lagos State Government can harness a unique co-financing mechanism to double its investments in nutrition commodities like MMS and other interventions. We urge the Lagos state government to leverage the Child Nutrition Fund, to procure MMS and make it accessible to all pregnant women in the state.
It is important for the state government to strengthen the integration of MMS into Antenatal Care Protocols in health facilities, ensuring that every pregnant woman receives comprehensive micronutrient support. It is also essential to equip healthcare providers with the necessary training to effectively deliver MMS and educate mothers on the importance of this intervention. Establishing robust systems for monitoring MMS distribution to prevent stockouts and ensure that supplies are consistently available in both rural and urban healthcare facilities is key. In the coming weeks, CS-SUNN will contribute to these efforts by building the capacity of civil society organizations to effectively track and monitor MMS coverage, uptake, and adherence among pregnant women, thereby enhancing data availability and supporting evidence-based advocacy for improved maternal nutrition.
We urge the media to continue to raise public awareness about the benefits of MMS, especially in preventing anaemia and improving maternal outcomes. CS-SUNN remains steadfast in its commitment to work alongside the Lagos State Government and other partners to improve health and nutrition outcomes in the state and country at large.
by
Sunday Okoronkwo
ES- CS-SUNN
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