Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions and Experiences of Prenatal Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation: A Quantitative Study in Botswana

The World Health Organization recommends daily iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation during pregnancy to prevent maternal anemia and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth. However, uptake of IFA has varied substantially in low- and middle- income countries due to issues regarding supply, knowledge, access to health services, and acceptability. In Botswana, nearly one-third of pregnant women do not receive IFA. This study assesses knowledge of IFA supplementation, supplement availability, and barriers and facilitators to preconception and antenatal supplementation in Botswana.