Initial implementation supported by implementation research
Sierra Leone has some of the highest maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates, with a maternal mortality ratio of 717 per 100,000 live births, and neonatal and infant mortality rates of 31 and 77 per 1,000 live births respectively. Based on the strong evidence of the effectiveness of MMS, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in Sierra Leone, through its Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) and Food and Nutrition directorates, made the decision to switch from IFA to MMS in 2021.
To inform the transition to MMS, the MoHS, supported by Helen Keller International, Vitamin Angels, Kirk Humanitarian, and CARE, are undertaking formative research to examine the factors that affect the optimal consumption of MMS supplements during pregnancy. The study will focus on product acceptability and the best ways to integrate MMS into ANC services. The results of this research will be utilized by the MoHS and the MMS Steering Committee.