The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that about 60% of pregnant women in Nigeria lack access to multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), putting both mothers and their unborn babies at risk.
Citing a recent food consumption and micronutrient survey, UNICEF Nutrition Officer, Prosper Dakurah, explained that the problem goes beyond iron deficiency, extending to shortages of several vital micronutrients.
Dakurah spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a Media Roundtable on Anaemia Prevention, Reduction and Other Nutrition-Related National Issues in Nigeria, organised by the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).
He noted that while Nigeria has made progress, significant gaps remain.
“Nigeria is the first country globally to distribute MMS at scale. Last year, we distributed about three million bottles across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“This year, we are distributing another three million. Unfortunately, when you look at the numbers, only 20 to 40% of pregnant women are covered, meaning about 60 per cent still lack access,” Dakurah said.
He warned that development partners might not sustain funding for MMS, stressing the need for Nigeria to increase domestic financing for nutrition interventions from 2026 to avoid losing the gains made so far.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare added that 58% of Nigerian women of reproductive age are anaemic, describing the condition as a major health and development challenge. Nigeria also ranks first in Africa and second globally in malnutrition prevalence.
Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, Sunday Okoronkwo, called for bold action and sustained investments in MMS to tackle anaemia, improve pregnancy outcomes, and secure a healthier future for children.
“Nigeria must step up strategic investment in nutrition. MMS is not just a supplement, it is a life-saving intervention,” he said.
Okoronkwo noted that CS-SUNN has been working with UNICEF, FHI 360, Nutrition International, and Results for Development to advocate the adoption and scale-up of MMS nationwide.
Also speaking, FCT Nutrition Officer, Chinyere Ekwueme, said the territory had adopted the federal government’s plan to strengthen nutrition campaigns.
“The press has a big role to play in amplifying this message. Stakeholders need to understand the urgency of scaling up nutrition interventions,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of engaging traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and the media to drive awareness.
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