Funding Gaps Threaten Maternal Nutrition in Nigeria

In Nigeria, funding and supply gaps pose significant challenges to scaling up maternal nutrition, particularly as the country records 7.8 million pregnancies annually, with a high burden of anemia among pregnant women. Dr. Stanlei Ukpai presented findings from a research project at an event in Abuja, highlighting that while iron and folic acid supplements are well-accepted among women, long-term scaling requires stronger public financing and a reliable supply system.

Current supply levels are inadequate, largely relying on donor support, which many women cannot afford. Recommendations include institutionalizing maternal nutrition financing, improving public support for affordable pricing, and strengthening procurement systems for local manufacturing.

Anna Hakobyan, Executive Director of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, emphasized integrating micronutrient supplements into broader maternal and child nutrition programs. The study identified barriers to equitable access, with Dr. Salma Ibrahim advising on evidence-based support for maternal nutrition.

Mr. Adegbit Olufunmilola from the Federal Ministry of Health discussed integrating maternal nutrition into national antenatal care guidelines.