Pulse.ng : Kaduna Gov’t Launches MMS Program to Boost Maternal, Child Nutrition

By Sani Idris

In line with Gov. Uba Sani’s promise of improving maternal and child nutrition, the Kaduna State Government has launched the inception of a Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) program to combat deficiencies in the state.

Speaking during the launch at the Kaduna State Government Hous on Thursday, the state's Commissioner, Planning and Budget Commission, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed, said that the launch of the program aligns perfectly with the state’s collective goal of improving maternal and child health outcomes by addressing the pervasive issue of micronutrient deficiencies, which continue to be a major challenge in communities.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Director, Development Aid Coordination in the Commission, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, noted that through the supplementation program, proactive steps are taken towards ensuring that mothers and children receive the essential nutrients necessary for healthy pregnancies, births, and early childhood development.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to our partners (UNICEF), the Ministry of Health, international organizations, non-governmental bodies, and all stakeholders who have joined hands with us in these crucial endeavors. It is through such partnerships and collective efforts that we will be able to meet our objectives and create a healthier and brighter future for all.

“As we move forward today with our discussions, I urge us all to consider the significant impact these initiatives can have on our population, and to reflect on how we can enhance our strategies for a healthier and more prosperous society.”

In her remark, the Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, tasked stakeholders to work on the people to have a change of mindset and accept the MMS as the best supplement available.

She also urged stakeholders to work together with the Ministry of Agriculture and other Agencies to find alternative crops to the MMS where possible.

Speaking earlier, the State Nutritional Officer, Ramatu Haruna, said the objective of the meeting is to share the concept deliverables and expectations on the BMGF-funded MMS Scale-up project with the Kaduna stakeholders and to outline an enabling environment for leveraging government resources for procurement of MMS.

In her presentation at the MMS inception meeting, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, revealed that the supplements will be available as soon as the state government transfers her commitment to UNICEF.

She disclosed that the Kaduna State government had committed over N100m as a counterpart fund with UNICEF for the procurement of essential nutrition supplies, including MMS, adding that the agency is only waiting for the Kaduna State Government to transfer funds for it procurement.

According to her, MMS is an approach to improving the quality of nutrition care for mothers and preventing low birth weight. It is a transition from Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS), expected to avert 3.6 million deaths in Nigeria, prevent the deaths of an additional 52,475 children, and yield benefits that are 1,054 times greater than the cost.

The Chief noted that to promote enablers of the MMS and scale up, it is important to strengthen the financing environment at the State level by leveraging the Child Nutrition Matching Funds to procure MMS.

“Fortunately, Kaduna State has committed to some funds awaiting transfer to UNICEF for the procurement of essential nutrition supplies including MMS.” Dr. Gerida said.

She explained that MMS contains 13 to 15 micronutrients that have been found efficacious and thus approved for use in Nigeria.

“The supplement shall be provided through ANC service at health facilities. It is recommended to be taken orally daily throughout pregnancy (1 tablet daily).

“It contains 13-15 vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy and it is to be taken daily throughout pregnancy. It is effective in the prevention of anemia in pregnancy and the prevention of low-birth-weight babies. Some evidence also suggests a reduction in perinatal mortality,” She said.

Also speaking, the Team Lead for Alive and Thrive (A&T) Mrs Sarah Kwasu, gave an overview of their roles and responsibilities in the MMS intervention, and the work done so far.

Kwasu stated that the uptake of MMS interventions can only be promoted and sustained at a scale where key players are supported, skills are improved for effective community mobilisation, awareness, demand creation, and systems are strengthened to support service delivery.

She therefore said it was important to provide key stakeholders with knowledge to support effective MMS uptake.

Speaking further, kwasu noted that in promoting the uptake of MMS, A&T oriented Nutrition Focal Persons (NFPs) and trained other key state stakeholders on community mobilisation, awareness and demand creation.

During the training, she said strategy for community level engagement was developed.

On community awareness and demand creation, she explained that they would be working with community influencers and stakeholders to address possible norms/barriers that may affect the uptake of MMS.

Speaking further, kwasu noted that It is the duty of CBOs, government stakeholders, A&T to support CVs to mobilise critical stakeholders (grandmothers, mothers etc) to understand MMS and overcome existing community barriers.

She emphasised that so far, A&T alongside other stakeholders have facilitated the inclusion of MMS into the Essential Medicine list (EML) at the national level which will enhance its adaptation at the state.

She added that A&T also developed community data tools and state stakeholders oriented on it.

"The use of the community data tool will strengthen the M&E system at the lowest level through data collection, reporting and data use. It will ensure data availability, quality and timely reporting,"she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the MMS intervention in Kaduna and four other states is supported by Bill and Melinda Gates.(NAN)