MAP and ChildFund donate 129,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve maternal and child nutrition

May 2, 2026

Chris explaining the importance of the MMS at Mount Makulu clinic.

ChildFund International and MAP International have donated more than 129,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to strengthen maternal and child nutrition efforts for expectant and breastfeeding mothers accessing care in ChildFund-supported health facilities across Zambia.

The supplements contain 15 essential vitamins and minerals that support the health and nutrition of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and their babies. The donation comes amid ongoing concerns over maternal nutrition in many communities, where access to adequate nutrients during pregnancy remains limited. Traditional antenatal care programmes have largely relied on iron and folic acid supplements, but health workers say coverage gaps and adherence challenges continue to affect outcomes for mothers and newborns.

This week, Chris Palombo, President & CEO of Map International, visited Zambia to assess the implementation of the MMS programme and engage government officials and health workers on opportunities to strengthen collaboration in maternal and child health.

“For more than 70 years, MAP International has worked to close gaps in access to essential medicines around the world,” he said. “Through our supply chain of hope, we ensure critical medical supplies reach the people who need them most. Partnerships with organizations like ChildFund make that possible.”

Chris checking on the recommended foods for expectant mothers displayed at the clinic.

The visit began with meetings at Zambia’s Ministry of Health, where discussions with Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, focused on strengthening healthcare systems, improving maternal and child health services, supporting HIV and tuberculosis interventions, and advancing sustainable health financing.

Palombo said partnerships rooted in community needs remain critical to improving access to healthcare in underserved communities.

At Mount Makulu Health Centre, health workers and mothers described the impact the supplements are already having within communities.

“These supplements contain 15 essential nutrients and are more effective than iron and folic acid alone in preventing anaemia and low birth weight,” Palombo said during a visit to the facility. “They offer a stronger nutritional solution for mothers and babies.”

Frontline health workers say the intervention is helping improve pregnancy outcomes and confidence among expectant mothers.

Monde, a nurse at the facility, said maternal nutrition remains one of the most important factors in ensuring healthy pregnancies and safer deliveries.

“These supplements give me strength and hope for my baby,” she said. “I have gained weight and maintained my appetite compared to my previous pregnancy when MMS was not available. I also feel supported because nurses take time to answer our questions and guide us through any side effects.”

Monde having a chat with Purity, an expectant mother.

“Babies born to undernourished mothers face higher risks of stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and death within the first month of life,” she said. “However, among women taking MMS, we are seeing healthier pregnancies and greater confidence. I have personally seen positive changes in at least 45 women in this community.”

For mothers like Purity, the supplements are helping ease some of the challenges associated with pregnancy.

ChildFund has been distributing the supplements in partnership with Zambia’s Ministry of Health since October 2025. Health workers say continued community engagement and support from families and community health volunteers are helping encourage consistent use of the supplements among pregnant women.

Chief Nutrition Officer at the Ministry of Health, Agness Aongola, welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important contribution to national efforts to improve maternal and child health.

“We are grateful to MAP International and ChildFund for complementing government efforts,” she said. “This support will significantly benefit pregnant and breastfeeding mothers across the country.”

Watch the video below as Chris explains how the multiple micronutrient supplements work and the critical role of nutrition in improving maternal and child health outcomes.