Coverage and Systemic Barriers to Maternal Micronutrient Supplementation in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
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Introduction
Maternal micronutrient supplementation (MMS) is a globally endorsed strategy to combat nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy and improve birth outcomes. Despite strong evidence supporting its integration into antenatal care services, coverage in many low-resource settings remains suboptimal. This study assesses the coverage and systemic challenges associated with MMS delivery during the June 2025 Maternal and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using validated secondary data from the OPS Room Final Report and Power BI dashboards covering all eight LGAs in Bayelsa State. Analytical methods included percentage-based coverage assessment, comparative ratio analysis with other interventions (Vitamin A and Deworming), and evaluation of implementation gaps using discrepancy indices. Operational notes from State Technical Facilitators were triangulated to contextualize the quantitative findings.
Results
Out of an estimated 6,982 pregnant women, only 2,197 received either MMS or Iron-Folate supplementation, resulting in a coverage rate of 31.5%. This figure was significantly lower than coverage for Vitamin A (83%) and Deworming (55%). Operational challenges identified included delayed rollout in Southern Ijaw, incomplete data reporting in Nembe and SILGA, non-disaggregated documentation between MMS and IFA, and limited awareness among beneficiaries. These systemic weaknesses significantly constrained the delivery and visibility of maternal nutrition services during the campaign.
Conclusion
The findings reveal that despite the large-scale nature of MNCH Week, maternal supplementation remains poorly prioritized and inconsistently delivered. Without targeted reforms in training, documentation, logistics, and digital monitoring, MMS will continue to underperform compared to child-focused services. Improving maternal outcomes requires elevating MMS within campaign structures and routine antenatal care systems to ensure equitable and effective service reach.
