By Murtala Muhammad
Pregnant and lactating mothers in Bauchi State say the use of Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) during pregnancy improved their wellbeing, reducing nausea, dizziness and other symptoms commonly associated with gestation.
They told Radio Nigeria’s correspondent that MMS was more comfortable to take compared with folic acid and ferrous sulphate previously used in antenatal care, noting improved tolerance and lower side effects.
A mother, Maryam Ayuba Umar, said MMS supported her throughout pregnancy, adding that morning nausea often linked to folic acid and ferrous sulphate was significantly reduced in her experience.
She expressed gratitude to God for a safe delivery and appealed to the state government to expand access by ensuring that MMS is available in all public health facilities for pregnant women.
Other mothers, Haƙila Dalhatu and Safiyya Ibrahim, also shared their experiences, reporting that MMS eased the discomfort and fatigue they encountered while using folic acid and ferrous sulphate.
The Facility Manager of Urban Maternity, Ƙofar Ran, Hauwa Yohannah Adamu, said no pregnant woman who collected MMS from the facility had reported adverse reactions, describing the supplement as effective and safe.
Bauchi state Coordinator, Civil-Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Ms Dabis Mwalike who said the availably of MMS in the state was epileptic, emphasised the need for the government to make additional investment by making the it more accessible in the public health facilities.