FIGO Session S178: The unfinished agenda of maternal malnutrition and its impact on birth outcomes

This session on maternal nutrition, ‘The unfinished agenda of maternal malnutrition and its impact on birth outcomes“ was organized by HMHB at the FIGO World Congress 2021. This is an on-demand pre-recorded session (S-178). This session aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the relationship between maternal malnutrition and birth outcomes, share the evidence on the impact of maternal nutrition interventions ready to scale up including multiple micronutrient supplementation on birth outcomes, and share country experiences related to the integration of MMS in antenatal care services. It features global experts in maternal nutrition, who will each focus on one key area of maternal malnutrition and MMS.

Topics and Speakers

The framing of the discussion and closing remarks are by Dr. Saskia Osendarp, Executive Director, The Micronutrient Forum. Speakers and topics are as follows –

1. The evidence on maternal nutrition & multiple micronutrient supplements – Dr. Parul Christian, Director, Human Nutrition Program, and Associate Chair, Department of International Health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
2. MMS Policy and Program experience of Bangladesh – Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Line Director, NNS, HPNSP, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh
3. Implementation research to enhance introduction and effectiveness use of MMS in four countries – Nita Dalmiya, Maternal Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF New York
4. Policies and practice related to nutrition-quality in Antenatal Care- Dr. Amy Pollack, Director Maternal, Newborn, Child Health, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.