Alive & Thrive fhi360, a non-governmental organization, has taken a significant step towards improving maternal health in Nigeria by sensitizing journalists on the importance of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women and women of reproductive age.
The sensitization program, held on August 28, 2024, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, aimed to promote the utilization of MMS to prevent maternal anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies.
According to Mrs. Olawumi Ajayi, FHI360’s Lagos State Coordinator, the training emphasized the need for pregnant women to consume daily micronutrient supplementation of 30-60mg of iron and 400mcg of folic acid, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). She also highlighted the benefits of combining all micronutrients in multi-supplements and delivering MMS to pregnant and lactating mothers.
The State Nutrition Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Taiwo Fadairo, noted that the government is working on expanding MMS to women of reproductive age and urged pregnant women to register for antenatal care at public healthcare facilities to benefit from the various interventions, including MMS.
This sensitization program is a crucial step towards improving maternal health in Nigeria, and the media’s role in disseminating this information is vital. By promoting MMS supplementation, Alive & Thrive fhi360 and the Lagos State Government aim to reduce maternal anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies, ensuring a healthier future for Nigerian women and their children.
