Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nutrition International warns that delays in scaling up Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women could reverse hard-won gains in maternal nutrition across Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 7th Annual Scientific Conference of the National Academy of Science in Abuja, Country Director Dr Osita Okonkwo says adherence rates of around 75 per cent prove that women are ready to use MMS when supplies are available.
“The demand barrier is gone,” Okonkwo states. “Women understand the benefits. The real challenge now is supply and health system readiness.”
Nigeria records an estimated 12 million pregnancies annually, requiring tens of millions of MMS bottles each year to achieve nationwide coverage. However, Okonkwo warns that local production remains limited, raising concerns that pilot programme successes could stall.
He stresses that state-level preparedness will determine success. “By 2026, states must consistently supply MMS, provide counseling, and ensure accurate data reporting. Without this, the system risks collapse.”
Nutrition International cautions that donor funding for MMS rollout ends in Q2 2026, increasing urgency for domestic financing and coordinated implementation.
Participants from the Federal Ministry of Health, World Bank, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and pharmaceutical manufacturers echo calls for local investment and stronger last-mile delivery systems.
Experts agree that decisive action now could significantly reduce maternal anaemia, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
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Chukwu Obinna 
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Hussaini Ibrahim 