31 March 2026 – In a landmark step toward improving maternal and newborn health, Makueni County has launched Kenya’s first county-wide multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) program, integrating it into routine antenatal care for pregnant women. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Vitamin Angels through the Transforming Lives Through Nutrition consortium. Over the next four years, the program will deliver free MMS (prenatal multivitamins containing 15 essential nutrients) to pregnant women across the county. It will also generate key insights to inform Kenya’s planned nationwide scale-up.
Nearly 40% of pregnant women in Makueni are affected by anemia, a condition largely driven by iron deficiency and linked to serious complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and increased maternal mortality. Despite high access to iron and folic acid supplements, adherence remains low, limiting their impact. MMS has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm births and babies born small for gestational age, two major contributors to neonatal mortality. The benefits are particularly significant for women with anemia, who face higher risks of complications such as preeclampsia.
“This program represents a transformative moment for maternal health in Kenya. Through strong partnership with Makueni County, we are introducing a proven, more effective solution than iron-folic acid. Evidence shows that MMS significantly improves birth outcomes and can save lives. This is not just a county milestone—it’s a national opportunity.” Lucy Kanya, Africa Regional Technical Director at Vitamin Angels.
Beyond supplement distribution, the program aims to strengthen the broader antenatal care system. Planned efforts include training healthcare workers and community health promoters, improving supply chains and data systems, and expanding community outreach and education. Local health leaders emphasized that the initiative also addresses gaps in adherence and service delivery.
“We are seeing a critical gap between access and impact. This program gives us an opportunity to strengthen antenatal care and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.” – Dr. Stephen Mwatha, Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Services in Makueni County.
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Photo credit: Makueni County, Government of Kenya and Vitamin Angels
