Bauchi receives over 100,000 bottles of MMS for pregnant mothers
By Umar Moh’d
The Bauchi State Government has received 134, 280 bottles of Multiple Micronutrients Supplementation (MMS) from UNICEF to provide vitamins and minerals that are necessary for healthy pregnant mothers.
This was disclosed by UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Philomena Irene, where she commended Bauchi State’s commitment to the MMS program, citing its financial and policy support.
She noted that MMS is a daily prenatal tablet that provides essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy pregnancy, and has been shown to be safe, cost-effective, and more effective than iron and folic acid supplementation alone.
Irene said the MMS program in Bauchi is a collaborative effort between UNICEF, Nutrition International, Alive & Thrive, and the State Primary Health Care but advised the state government to ensure sustainability by integrating MMS into routine antenatal care, securing sustainable financing, strengthening the supply chain, and investing in behaviour-change communication.
She stated that in Bauchi, MMS has been introduced as part of routine antenatal care, with 134,280 bottles provided to the state through UNICEF, supported by the Kirk Foundation and Gates Foundation.
According to her, the expected impacts of MMS include reduced maternal anaemia, improved maternal energy and nutrient status, and healthier fetal growth.
Also Speaking the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BSPHCDB), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, attributed the success to the supplement’s ease of use and the state’s efforts to ensure accountability and prevent diversion.
He said that the Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, has invested in procuring MMS and other essential commodities to support pregnant women and children.
Dr. Mohammed explained that the program is expected to be rolled out nationwide next year.
