Bukola Afeni
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has emphasized the urgent need for strategic investments in Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to prevent anemia and improve pregnancy outcomes in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Sunday Okoronkwo, made the disclosure during a media roundtable on Anemia Prevention in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by Peters Olushola, CS-SUNN Communication Manager, added that the media roundtable is set to address the growing challenge of maternal and child malnutrition in Nigeria, with a particular focus on anemia prevention.
While speaking about the theme of the roundtable, “Headlines that Save Lives: Media Power Against Anemia and Malnutrition,” he urged media practitioners to improve health and nutrition outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
“We must ensure that the headlines we create today translate into life-saving actions tomorrow, raising public awareness about the benefits of MMS. “We want you to amplify our voice in preventing anemia and improving maternal outcomes. Let your voices, reports, features, and stories drive urgency, commitment, and accountability for nutrition,” he said.
In the same vein, he noted that 55% of women of reproductive age are anemic. “The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data reveal a troubling rise in malnutrition compared to five years ago. The data shows 4 in 10 (40%) Nigerian children under five are stunted, up from 37% in 2018. The figures represent real lives, whose growth, cognitive development, immunity, and productivity are being compromised.”
CS-SUNN is therefore calling on governments, especially at the national and state levels, to leverage the Child Nutrition Fund for the procurement of MMS for pregnant women.
The organization is also urging state governments to strengthen the integration of MMS into Antenatal Care Protocols in health facilities and equip healthcare providers with the necessary training to effectively deliver MMS.
The Senior Technical Advisor, FHI 360, Toyin Adewale Gabriel, noted that reducing anemia incidence in Nigeria requires sustained investments, particularly in adolescent girls who are future mothers.
“Anemia affects not only their health but also the health of their unborn children. We need to put in place programs that target adolescent girls and pregnant women, thereby significantly reducing anemia rates.” She further highlighted that improving access to healthcare services, including regular check-ups and blood tests, will aid in identifying and treating anemia early.
The Senior Technical Advisor further advised the government at the national and state levels to strengthen national nutrition programs and invest in healthcare infrastructure that will address anemia nationwide.
UNICEF Nutrition Manager Prosper Dakura disclosed that the Nigerian government has developed a robust roadmap to scale up Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) coverage to 60% in the next 2-3 years, aiming to improve maternal and child health outcomes. “Currently, MMS coverage stands at 10-40%, and achieving over 60% coverage is expected to yield visible improvements in the health of children and the population,” he said.
He further urged media practitioners to play a crucial role in holding states accountable for incorporating Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) into their budget lines.
“We need to ensure that states are on track to unlock disbursements and verify MMS inclusion. Journalists should check if states have included MMS in their operational plans and budget
“We also need to ask tough questions if MMS is not captured in the state’s plan, highlighting the importance of saving children.”
