Exploration phase to build an MMS enabling environment
The Ministry of Health is working with a coalition of technical partners and NGOs to explore the introduction of MMS in Cambodia—where more than half of all pregnant women suffer from anemia. In 2021, a landscape analysis, supply readiness assessment, and stakeholder workshop were completed by Helen Keller International Cambodia, Vitamin Angels, Sight and Life, and the Ministry of Health to better understand the context for introducing and implementing an MMS program in the country. Based on the findings and recommendations, the Ministry of Health formed an MMS Steering Committee to provide advisory support and technical input to the initiative. In support of the government’s efforts, in 2023, Helen Keller International supported by Vitamin Angels initiated an implementation research study on adherence and acceptability of MMS to inform the transition from iron and folic acid—the current standard of care. Future activities include exploring production of MMS and updating existing nutrition policies and tools to include MMS.
- Start Date: February 2021
- End Date: ongoing