Kaduna Gov’t Launches MMS Program to Boost Maternal, Child Nutrition
By: Femi Mustapha
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 program to combat deficiencies in the State.
Speaking during the launch in Kaduna, today, the State Commissioner, Planning and Budget Commission, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed Monrovia 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 its communities.
Hon. Mukhtar, who was represented by the Director of Development Aid and Coordination in the Commission, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, noted that through this 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, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa 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 Scake-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 in the State, 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 the procurement of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS).
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.
The MMS intervention in Kaduna State and 4 other states is being supported by Bill and Melinda Gates.