Four Countries Launch Global Push to Prioritize Maternal and Child Health, Targeting 600,000 Lives Saved by 2030

Ministers Commit to Integrating Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation into National Antenatal Care Services

GENEVA, 21 May 2026 – Today at the 79th World Health Assembly, Ministers of Health from Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria announced a landmark Ministerial Declaration committing their governments to integrate multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) into national antenatal care systems—marking a major shift from pilot initiatives to large-scale implementation.

The declaration represents one of the first coordinated, multi-country commitments at ministerial level across Africa and Asia to adopt MMS as a standard of care in pregnancy, signaling a turning point in global efforts to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths. Backed by more than 25 years of evidence, MMS—specifically the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP)—is a daily supplement containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals that improves maternal nutrition and birth outcomes. At scale across low-income countries, MMS could help prevent an estimated 600,000 maternal and child deaths by 2030.

Nearly 300,000 women continue to die each year during pregnancy or childbirth, with maternal undernutrition a significant but often hidden driver. More than one billion women globally are affected by micronutrient deficiencies, underscoring the urgency for system-wide intervention.

A Shift from Evidence to Implementation

Unlike earlier efforts focused on pilots or limited-scale programming, this declaration commits countries to nationwide integration of MMS into antenatal care, delivered through clinics, community health systems, and primary care platforms. Ministers emphasized that scaling MMS represents a practical, cost-effective strategy to strengthen health systems while improving outcomes for mothers and newborns.

When fully implemented, MMS has been shown to decrease infant mortality by up to 29% and deliver significant reductions in stillbirth and neonatal complications. The intervention also offers strong economic value, generating an estimated $37 in health benefits for every $1 invested.

Global Momentum and Partnership

“This is not a symbolic commitment—it is a signal of real system change,” said Spencer Kirk, Founder and Managing Director of Kirk Humanitarian. “When ministers align behind evidence and commit to national implementation, it accelerates global momentum. This coalition will inspire more countries to act, mobilize investment, and bring us closer to a world where no woman dies from preventable causes in pregnancy.”

“Helen Keller Intl applauds the signatories of the Ministerial Declaration for their leadership and commitment to families. This is a powerful extension of work we see every day through our partnerships with countries to support the transition to multiple micronutrient supplements,” said Sarah Bouchie, President and CEO of Helen Keller Intl. “Every woman deserves a prenatal vitamin that provides the nutrients she needs during pregnancy, and every child deserves a stronger, healthier start to life as a result. Together, with governments leading the way, we can achieve this vision.”

The signatory nations join a growing global movement to prioritize maternal nutrition as essential antenatal care. Currently, over 30 countries have already adopted or are transitioning to UNIMMAP MMS as the standard of care. By integrating UNIMMAP MMS into existing health systems through clinics, community health programs, and primary care platforms, these countries will ensure sustainable, equitable access to this life-saving intervention while strengthening their broader antenatal care systems.

The Declaration’s Core Commitments

The Ministerial Declaration on Scaling Up Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation for Maternal and Child Health calls on governments and global partners to integrate UNIMMAP multiple micronutrient supplements into national antenatal care packages as the standard of care. Signatories pledge to champion UNIMMAP MMS within their antenatal care systems as a global priority, support national integration efforts, and facilitate financial and technical assistance to ensure equitable access—particularly in low-resource settings—while strengthening the health systems critical to supporting healthy pregnancies. The signed declarations are available to view on the Healthy Mother Healthy Babies Consortium website. Countries are encouraged to join the movement by signing the declaration of support.

Supporting Organizations

The Ministerial Declaration effort is supported by the Eleanor Crook Foundation, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, Helen Keller Intl, Junaid Family Foundation, Kirk Humanitarian, and Vitamin Angels.

ABOUT KIRK HUMANITARIAN

Kirk Humanitarian is a private family philanthropy dedicated to accelerating the availability and use of UNIMMAP MMS for women at risk of maternal malnutrition, with the goal of creating a healthier and more equitable world. Since 2002, Kirk Humanitarian has reached 75 million women with UNIMMAP MMS across 111 low- and middle-income countries. For more information, visit: www.kirkhumanitarian.org.

ABOUT HELEN KELLER INTL

Guided by its founder’s remarkable legacy, Helen Keller Intl works to improve the lives of people around the world by protecting vision, enhancing nutrition, and fighting disease. Working in 20 countries—across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States —and together with a global community of supporters, the organization reaches millions of children and family members each year, helping them build a world where every person can live a life filled with potential. For more information, visit: HelenKellerIntl.org.