At Kirk Humanitarian, we are dedicated to improving global health through a focus on maternal nutrition. Because when a woman receives the nutrients she needs during pregnancy, her health is better safeguarded, and her child is more likely to have the best start in life.
The Global Need
Around the world, many women are unable to get the nutrition they need during pregnancy from their diets alone. So together with our partners, we help pregnant women gain access to recommended proven, high-quality, affordable prenatal vitamins and minerals, improve uptake and adherence, and support NGOs and governments as they launch maternal nutrition programs.
The Evidence
Kirk Humanitarian is dedicated to equity and guided by strong evidence that the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) formulation of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) are safe, affordable, effective, and cost-effective. UNIMMAP MMS is recommended by WHO and UNICEF guidelines and is included on the WHO Essential Medicines List.
Affordability
UNIMMAP MMS purchased and donated by Kirk Humanitarian are high-quality and affordable. At $0.0123 USD per tablet and $2.22 USD per woman per pregnancy, global UNIMMAP MMS suppliers produce at a price that is at or around cost parity with iron-folic acid (IFA), the current standard of care.
What We Do
Kirk Humanitarian purchases and donates UNIMMAP MMS to qualified grantees, including governments, local/international NGOs, and others. We help create a marketplace for UNIMMAP MMS. We drive awareness, advocacy, and consensus-building around UNIMMAP MMS. And we support implementation research to better understand and meet the needs of the families who are served by UNIMMAP MMS programs.
15 Essential Micronutrients
The UNIMMAP MMS purchased by Kirk Humanitarian is produced by our manufacturing partner in an FDA-registered facility to meet internationally-recognized quality and cGMP standards. It is USP-verified and Halal-certified for use by Muslim women.
Our Reach
Billion Doses
Countries
Since 2002, we have purchased and donated more than 7.7 billion MMS doses in 104 countries, serving more than 42 million women. And our reach is growing. In 2021, we reached 8.4 million pregnant women with UNIMMAP MMS. And in 2024, we will reach 10 million additional pregnant women with UNIMMAP MMS. Our investments, and the tireless work of partners and governments on the ground who develop and implement comprehensive nutrition programs, pave the way for improved health outcomes for generations to come.
It is an injustice that all women don’t have access to multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS). It’s time for every woman to be able to access MMS – not just those living in high-income countries.”
Spencer Kirk, Managing Director, Kirk Humanitarian
