Nutrition International Warns of Maternal Health Crisis in Nigeria as Funding Ends

Nutrition International, through its director Dr. Osita Okonkwo, has raised concerns about a looming maternal health crisis in Nigeria as funding for the rollout of multiple micronutrient supplements (MM) for pregnant women is set to end. During the 7th annual scientific conference at the National Academy of Science in Abuja, Dr. Okonkwo emphasized the importance of ensuring consistent MM supply at the state level to maintain accurate data reporting and proper counseling for pregnant women.

The organization estimates that around 12 million pregnancies occur annually in Nigeria, with a need for ten million MM bottles each year to achieve full coverage. Urgent action is required to secure funding and implement measures to safeguard maternal nutrition and ensure healthy outcomes for the next generation.

Various stakeholders, including federal ministries, the World Bank, and local pharmaceutical groups, are urged to support proactive domestic resource mobilization and strengthen last-mile delivery systems.