Scaling up antenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation in Africa : A unified call for action

Summary

Maternal undernutrition in Africa remains a public health challenge, contributing to negative pregnancy outcomes, neonatal mortality, and perpetuating intergenerational cycles of poor health. Antenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS), a cost-effective intervention recognized for its potential to improve maternal and neonatal health, reduces risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, small for gestational age, and stillbirth while offering a $37 return for every $1 invested. Despite its benefits, MMS adoption across African countries remains suboptimal. This position paper synthesizes the outcomes of the 2nd Africa Maternal Nutrition and MMS Technical Meeting: A Path Toward Introduction and Scale-up of MMS in Africa, held in Nairobi, Kenya, in October 2024. The 3-d meeting convened government representatives from 17 African member states, donors, and experts to align on a shared vision for MMS introduction and scale-up in Africa. Participants emphasized MMS integration into antenatal care as a cornerstone of maternal nutrition strategies and identified actionable recommendations to overcome policy, supply chain, financing, and implementation barriers. Key messages include the urgency of scaling MMS, the role of implementation science in tailoring programs to local contexts, and the necessity of regional collaboration to share lessons and facilitate progress. It outlines a pathway for integrating MMS into antenatal care services, ensuring a quality supply, securing financial commitments, strengthening delivery, and engaging communities. The accompanying “Call to Action” provides a detailed roadmap to guide stakeholders in scaling up MMS as an urgent priority to enhance maternal and neonatal health, advance gender equality, and fulfill Africa's global health commitments.