Health officials confirm shortage of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements despite ₦125m government funding to combat anaemia in Nasarawa.
Stakeholders in the health sector have expressed concern over the shortage of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in Nasarawa State, even as they commended the state government for releasing ₦125 million as counterpart funding for their procurement.
The commendation came during a visit to the Primary Healthcare Centre, Tudun Kauri in Lafia, by a team from Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) to assess ongoing interventions against anaemia and malnutrition.
Anaemia is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient red blood cells or haemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen. It can lead to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, death.
Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Director of Nutrition at the Ministry of Health, Usman Obadiah, alongside a representative of the Nasarawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), Salamatu Isa-Chiroma, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing anaemia and related health challenges.
They confirmed that the state is currently experiencing a shortage of MMS but assured that fresh supplies would soon arrive following the release of funds by the government.
The Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Abdulmumuni Aliyu, also acknowledged the shortage, explaining that alternative supplements are being administered to pregnant women to safeguard their health and that of their unborn babies.
On his part, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of CS-SUNN, Jonah Aboki, described the release of funds as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services. He noted that anaemia and malnutrition remain major public health concerns, particularly among women of reproductive age and children.
Some pregnant women at the facility, including Blessing Joseph and Rakiya Mohammed, commended health workers for their professionalism during antenatal visits and delivery services, while expressing hope that the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements would soon be available.