Every year, World Anaemia Day serves as a global reminder of the devastating impact of anaemia, particularly for pregnant women and children. In South Africa, up to 35% of pregnant women suffer from anaemia, a condition that increases the risk of maternal death, low birth weight, and impaired child development.
This year, the Hold My Hand campaign is shining a spotlight on a powerful solution: Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS). By transitioning from iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements to MMS, South Africa has the opportunity to dramatically improve maternal and child health, aligning with national strategies to accelerate child development.
Recent research has confirmed that MMS is more effective than IFA in reducing maternal anaemia, lowering the risk of low birth weight, and supporting healthy brain development in children. A study in Ethiopia found that 56.6% of pregnant and lactating women were willing to take MMS, with 87% preferring it over IFA supplements. This highlights the urgent need to integrate MMS into public health systems.
Anaemia during pregnancy has lasting effects on child brain development. The Drakenstein Child Health Study revealed that maternal anaemia is associated with smaller brain volumes in children at ages 2-3, with effects persisting until 6-7 years. Without proper maternal nutrition, children are at risk of learning difficulties, lower school performance, and reduced economic productivity in adulthood.
By investing in MMS as a routine intervention, South Africa can break this cycle and give every child the best start in life.
The Hold My Hand campaignis urging government leaders, healthcare providers, and civil society to prioritise MMS as a national maternal health strategy.
What Needs to Happen Now?
For more on this critical issue, read Hold My Hand’s in-depth articles on maternal nutrition:
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