Initial implementation supported by implementation research
In the Philippines, the National Nutrition Council within the Department of Health (DOH) is collaborating with several technical and NGO partners—including Sight and Life, World Vision, Helen Keller International, UNICEF, and Vitamin Angels—to introduce and scale MMS, in line with the national framework to improve nutrition within the first 1,000 days. Undernutrition is a persistent health problem in the Philippines, with nearly 30% of children under age five suffering from stunting, a rate higher than the regional average (21.8%).[1] Additionally, more than a quarter of pregnant women are affected by anemia.[2]
Distribution of MMS began in 41 provinces across the Philippines in 2018. Implementation research activities supported by the coalition of partners aim to understand how to effectively introduce and scale MMS within the national ANC system. Foundational research activities included landscape analyses, supply readiness assessment, research examining barriers and enablers of uptake and adherence, and an exploration of delivery platform(s). Activities have included the assessments of the policy and regulatory landscape, national nutrition situation, current MMS procurement and delivery platforms, and stakeholder mapping. Nutrition partners are conducting ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the implementation process to understand program reach and effectiveness to inform further scale up. Partners are also working to create an enabling environment for MMS through awareness raising and consensus building activities, with plans to develop advocacy tools and materials to facilitate next steps for further implementation.
Currently, efforts to include MMS in the National Drug Formulary are under way. There is also growing support among stakeholders to form a national MMS working group. In September 2023, Vitamin Angels and UNICEF have tentative plans hold a forum for the dissemination of findings from MMS studies conducted by the Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP). In 2024, DOH has plans to explore the potential for local manufacturing of MMS.
[1] Global Nutrition Report. Country Profile: Philippines. https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/asia/south-eastern-asia/philippines/
[2] World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.PRG.ANEM?locations=PH
- Regions (Provinces/Districts): 41 provinces
- Start Date: 2010
- End Date: ongoing