MMS SMART Scale-Up Project

Background:

The MMS SMART Scale-Up Project is an initiative by Nutrition International in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan to improve maternal and newborn health by transitioning from Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation to Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS). Pakistan faces high maternal and newborn health risks, with anemia, malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies being major concerns. The project is designed to enhance antenatal care (ANC) and ensure widespread availability and adoption of MMS as the standard for pregnant women.

Key Interventions:

• Strengthening policy, product availability, and financing for MMS scale-up.
• Transitioning from IFA to MMS across five districts in four provinces/regions.
• Conducting feasibility studies and monitoring implementation in selected districts.
• Supporting the development of a costed National Roadmap for sustainable MMS adoption.
• Training healthcare providers and community workers on MMS benefits and administration.

Deliverables:

• MMS integration into ANC services across public health platforms.
• Provincial readiness assessments to tailor MMS scale-up strategies.
• Development of comprehensive provincial roadmaps for effective implementation.
• Strengthening supply chain mechanisms for continuous MMS availability.
• Feasibility studies and policy recommendations to inform national health strategies.

Donors: Kirk Humanitarian, Junaid Family Foundation (JFF)

Focus: Maternal & Newborn Health, Nutrition

Implementation Area: Five districts across Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, Punjab, KP, and Islamabad Rural)

This project aims to enhance maternal and newborn health outcomes by ensuring that MMS becomes the standard for antenatal care, ultimately reducing malnutrition, anemia, and birth complications nationwide.