Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), has announced the forthcoming delivery of three million bottles of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) to Nigeria. These supplements are specifically designed to provide pregnant women with essential vitamins and minerals crucial for fetal development and overall health during pregnancy.

Speaking at the 2024 NutriVision event in Abuja, a pan-African dialogue focused on addressing malnutrition in Africa, Gates highlighted the foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes in countries like Nigeria. He noted that these initiatives, particularly in vaccine distribution, have significantly lowered infant mortality rates.

Gates emphasized the foundation’s commitment to combating malnutrition, which remains a major challenge. He explained that the introduction of MMS could reduce maternal anemia cases by two million and potentially save the lives of 70,000 babies. The supplements are expected to be distributed soon, with a focus on reaching rural and low-income communities where malnutrition is most severe.

The distribution of MMS to Nigeria will be carried out in partnership with the Kirk Spencer Foundation and the Gates Foundation, aiming to enhance primary healthcare services for expectant mothers.