Anaemia in pregnant women reduced in FCT – Official

The introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) has significantly reduced cases of anaemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Dutse-Alhaji Primary Healthcare Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Dr. Deborah Joshua, the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media field visit organized by Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition (CS-SUNN) […]

The introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) has significantly reduced cases of anaemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Dutse-Alhaji Primary Healthcare Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr. Deborah Joshua, the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media field visit organized by Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition (CS-SUNN) to sensitize pregnant women on the benefits of MMS.

She explained that MMS simplifies supplementation because all essential nutrients are contained in a single daily tablet. 

This, she said, has led to fewer women presenting with anaemia, while those already anaemic are typically stabilized before delivery.

“Most of our women are doing well, and for the few who were anaemic before starting antenatal care, we restore them before labour,” Joshua said, adding that each woman receives a free bottle of 180 tablets.

Joshua emphasized that MMS works best when combined with routine checks, counseling, and close monitoring during pregnancy. 

However, she noted that operational challenges, such as inadequate human resources, can still slow service delivery.

Mrs. Chinyere Ekwueme, the FCT State Nutrition Officer, described MMS as a “game-changer” because it contains 15 micronutrients, compared to only two in the previous Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets.

 She noted that mothers often prefer MMS due to its better smell and reduced nausea, which improves compliance and birth outcomes. 

She stressed, however, that antenatal attendance at certified facilities remains essential.

Mr. Peter Olusola, Communications and Campaign Manager for CS-SUNN, explained that the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is a matching fund managed by UNICEF that doubles government contributions for nutrition commodities. He noted that this opportunity is time-bound and scheduled to end in 2030.

Pregnant women at the facility lauded the MMS initiative, noting a visible improvement in their overall health. (NAN)