FG Provides 3 Million Micronutrient Supplements to Pregnant Women

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Key Achievements in Maternal and Child Nutrition

The Federal Government has made significant strides in improving maternal and child nutrition by distributing three million bottles of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) to pregnant women across the country. This effort, led by the outgoing Director of the Nutrition Department in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Ladidi Aiyegbusi, also involved expanding nutrition treatment services in high-burden states. Aiyegbusi emphasized that these achievements were the result of collective efforts rather than individual contributions.

Aiyegbusi highlighted the challenges faced when she took over leadership of the Nutrition Division under the Family Health Department. At the time, the division had only 37 officers, far below the 96 needed for optimal functioning. She noted gaps in data, commodities management, and policy frameworks. By November 24, 2023, the division was upgraded to a full-fledged department with an expanded mandate and increased responsibilities.

One of the major hurdles was the lack of integration of essential nutrition commodities into the national essential medicine list. The MMS and small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements were not included, which hindered their availability and distribution. Additionally, nutrition commodities were not onboarded onto the Nigerian Health Logistics Management Information System, making it difficult to track inventory and usage.

To address these issues, the department focused on improving maternal nutrition, particularly combating anaemia in pregnancy. The government collaborated with partners to secure donations of MMS. In 2024, three million bottles were distributed to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory based on the burden of anaemia. Another three million bottles were distributed in 2025.

Each bottle of MMS contains 180 tablets, providing 15 essential micronutrients that support the health of both the mother and the developing baby. In 2024 alone, over 2.3 million pregnant women received a bottle of MMS each.

Advancements in Breastfeeding and Policy Development

The department also launched aggressive advocacy and media campaigns to promote breastfeeding. During World Breastfeeding Week in August 2024, over 31 million women across Nigeria breastfed simultaneously for one minute, setting a world record. Nigeria became the first country globally to introduce MMS into preventing anaemia in pregnant women using a well-structured policy approach.

This initiative included the development of a national roadmap, landscape analysis in 18 states, and training manuals for health workers. Over 120 national master trainers were trained on MMS, with 12 states conducting state-level training and five of those states training over 300 frontline health workers.

Data reforms were another key focus. All nutrition commodities are now integrated into the national logistics management platform, allowing for real-time tracking of inventory without relying on external partners. Over 300 health workers have been trained on data input and use, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Addressing Malnutrition and Community Engagement

Despite these advancements, malnutrition remains a pressing issue. According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 40% of children under five are stunted. To combat this, the government established 362 additional treatment sites in 13 high-burden states. Community volunteers are being trained to identify malnourished children early, while the Nutrition 774 initiative driven by the Office of the Vice President is taking nutrition interventions to the grassroots level.

Aiyegbusi emphasized that tackling malnutrition requires a multisectoral approach. She called on the media to monitor interventions and provide feedback on areas needing improvement. Beyond clinical interventions, the department promotes healthy diets through traditional and religious institutions, standardizing the production of nutrient-dense local foods like “Tom Brown” and planning community nutrition centres to improve knowledge on food combinations and preparation.

Policy Development and Future Outlook

Aiyegbusi announced the development and launch of multiple policy documents, including a national social and behavioural change strategy across the life cycle, an advocacy framework, a scaling-up nutrition strategy, and a nutrition-in-emergencies framework. These policies aim to ensure that nutrition remains a priority even during emergencies.

Reflecting on her tenure, Aiyegbusi described leaving office as an emotional moment. She expressed gratitude to her staff for their dedication despite limited resources and high pressure. She emphasized that while she is stepping down, her commitment to nutrition remains unchanged.

In her acceptance speech, the incoming Director of the Nutrition Department, Mrs Olufunmilola Adegbite, expressed gratitude to the ministry’s leadership and described her appointment as unexpected but welcomed with joy. With over three decades of experience in public health, Adegbite aims to bring her expertise in managing epidemics and outbreaks into the nutrition space.

She praised her predecessor, describing Aiyegbusi as a mentor and friend who laid a solid foundation. Adegbite pledged to work closely with staff and partners to ensure seamless continuity and excellence in the department’s operations.