The Rivers State Government, in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Health, has intensified efforts to address maternal and child micronutrient deficiencies across the state.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a three-day training workshop in Port Harcourt focused on developing a comprehensive Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) Implementation Plan.
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Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said the initiative aligns with the administration’s priority of improving the wellbeing of mothers and children. She explained that MMS has proven globally to reduce maternal anaemia, promote healthy fetal growth, and enhance cognitive development in children.
The workshop, she noted, provides a platform for stakeholders to identify gaps, evaluate delivery systems, and strengthen supply chains ahead of the statewide rollout.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Prof. Justina Jumbo, Dr. Oreh highlighted that micronutrient deficiencies remain prevalent in many communities, despite their critical role in ensuring healthy pregnancies and safe childbirth. She added that the workshop would support realistic costing, effective budgeting, and coordinated implementation among government ministries and development partners.
Declaring the workshop open, the commissioner urged participants to engage actively, stressing that the goal is not just to draft another policy document but to develop an actionable, evidence-driven roadmap that will guide decision-making and ensure improved nutrition for every pregnant woman in the state.
She commended partners and technical experts for their commitment, emphasizing that their contributions would shape a robust and sustainable MMS plan capable of strengthening maternal and child health outcomes across Rivers State.
