The Health and Lifestyle Awareness Development Initiative (HLADI) proudly collaborated with Treeshade Associates to implement a comprehensive Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Landscape Analysis (MMS-LAN) across Nigeria. This national initiative, targeting 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory, focused on improving awareness and understanding of the vital role that micronutrients play in maternal and child health.
The MMS-LAN initiative covered the following states: Benue, Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, and the FCT.
HLADI served as Research Assistants, leading data collection efforts, community engagement, and field coordination across all selected states.
Objectives and Key Activities
The overarching objective of the MMS-LAN study was to assess:
- How familiar pregnant women, their partners, and healthcare providers are with Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS)
- The perceived benefits and challenges related to MMS uptake
The current practices within health facilities delivering antenatal and maternal services
To achieve this, HLADI carried out several core activities:
1. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
HLADI facilitated FGDs with:
- 180 pregnant women
- 180 husbands
These discussions explored community experiences, cultural beliefs, and knowledge about micronutrients and their importance during pregnancy.
2. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
HLADI conducted interviews with:
- 36 Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of primary health facilities
These interviews assessed facility-level practices, availability of supplementation, health worker knowledge, and gaps in MMS implementation.
The feedback gathered is crucial to shaping policy recommendations and improving maternal nutrition services nationwide.
Community Engagement: Empowering Women and Families
The MMS awareness efforts across all 18 states provided a platform for women to:
- Share their current knowledge levels about MMS
- Discuss challenges they face in accessing supplements
- Understand how MMS improves maternal health, fetal growth, and pregnancy outcomes
This engagement empowered women to take active steps in advocating for their health and improved nutrition during pregnancy.
Comprehensive Assessment and Evidence for Action
Through the MMS-LAN process, HLADI collected rich quantitative and qualitative data from diverse settings across Nigeria. The findings will:
- Inform national and state-level policy recommendations
- Support the design of effective micronutrient supplementation programs
- Help address widespread micronutrient deficiencies, including anemia
- Guide strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality
This evidence-base will support government and partners in improving nutrition interventions nationwide.
Building Capacity and Strengthening Health Systems
Through fieldwork, training, and engagement with health providers, HLADI strengthened its capacity to:
- Support micronutrient programs
- Deliver high-quality community-based research
- Assist health workers in understanding MMS and ANC best practices
This initiative contributed to building stronger, more responsive healthcare systems, particularly at the primary care level.
Conclusion
HLADI remains committed to improving maternal and child health across Nigeria.
Through its partnership with Treeshade Associates and the successful execution of the MMS-LAN initiative, HLADI continues to advocate for robust nutrition programs that protect vulnerable populations.
By raising awareness and promoting evidence-based supplementation, HLADI is helping to build a healthier future for families across Nigeria.