The Health and Lifestyle Awareness
Development Initiative (HLADI) is proud to announce its partnership with
Treeshade Associates to carry out a comprehensive Multiple Micronutrient
Supplementation Landscape Analysis (MMS-LAN) across Nigeria. This pivotal study
encompasses 18 states: Benue, Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara,
Sokoto, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, and the
Federal Capital Territory. HLADI serves as Research Assistants in this
initiative, playing a crucial role in data collection and community engagement.
Objectives and Key Activities
The primary aim of this analysis is to
assess the level of familiarity with Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation
(MMS) and its significance for pregnant women and their unborn children. To
achieve this, HLADI's Research Assistants engaged in several key activities:
Focus Group Discussions: Conducted discussions with 180 pregnant women and 180 husbands to gather insights on their knowledge and perceptions of MMS.
Key Informant Interviews: Interacted with 36 Officers-in-Charge (OIC) of primary health facilities to evaluate institutional practices and knowledge related to MMS.
These efforts are designed to promote awareness of maternal and child health and facilitate discussions on the benefits of micronutrient supplementation.
Community Engagement: Capturing Moments of Empowerment
Our recent MMS awareness campaign across the 18 states offered a valuable platform for pregnant women to share their experiences and insights regarding Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS). Highlights from the focus group discussions included:
Assessing how familiar participants
are with MMS.
Discussing the health benefits of MMS for both mothers and their unborn children.
This engagement not only raised awareness but also empowered women to advocate for their health and well-being during pregnancy.
Comprehensive Assessment and Recommendations
The
HLADI team conducted the MMS-LAN study, gathering valuable data from various
regions across Nigeria. The findings will inform policy recommendations and
program development strategies aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies
among pregnant women, a pressing public health concern that can lead to severe
health complications, including birth defects and increased mortality rates.
Enhancing Capacity and Improving
Healthcare
Through this collaboration, HLADI has
significantly enhanced its capacity to support healthcare providers in
delivering quality services. By participating in the MMS-LAN training and
engaging with healthcare professionals, HLADI is committed to leveraging this
experience to improve healthcare outcomes and contribute to the development of
robust healthcare systems in Nigeria.
By working closely with Treeshade Associates and other stakeholders, HLADI remains dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations across Nigeria. Through increased awareness and advocacy for micronutrient supplementation, we aim to contribute to a healthier future for all families.