Bangladesh

Summary: Phase 3. Scale-up delivery at the national or sub-national level  

Bangladesh has been an early mover in MMS policy dialogue. Multiple formative research studies have been conducted over the past decade, including supply‑readiness assessments by Sight and Life in 2015 and 2019, as well as formative research for UNICEF in 2019.

MMS is being introduced in Bangladesh through two channels. The public sector model, led by the government with partner support, provides free MMS through strengthened antenatal care services in two districts. In parallel, the private sector model, implemented by the Social Marketing Company, makes MMS available nationwide through a pharmacy network.

Locally manufactured UNIMMAP-MMS, called ‘Full Care,’ has been available since July 2021. In collaboration with UNICEF , a coordination mechanism exists to support planning and implementation, and antenatal care facilities are the primary delivery platform. MMS is provided free of charge through the national public health system. Sight and Life has conducted consumer research for improving acceptability and adherence, as well as supporting the deployment and refinement of digital tools to enable monitoring and course correction.

The next major step is to conduct a costing analysis, develop a plan for sustainable integration and scaling up MMS programming.

(Sources: HMHB Survey 2025, UNICEF NutriDash and HMHB Survey 2021-2023)

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Summary: Phase 2. Pilot/Implementation Research & Program Design

Bangladesh has implemented BEP supplementation since the 2017 Rohingya refugee crisis, integrating it within nutrition centres in Cox’s Bazar and surrounding host communities. The BEP product used for the management of undernutrition is Wheat Soya Blend Plus (WSB+), which is provided during pregnancy and up to 6 months postpartum. A MUAC cut-off of 21cm is used as an individual targeting criterion. An emergency Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program (BSFP) for the prevention of malnutrition is given in Rohingya Refugee Camps only in the form of WSB+ as well, but in a smaller dosage. The products are delivered at health facilities in host communities or at integrated nutrition centers in the refugee camps.

Sources: HMHB Survey 2025 and Global Nutrition Cluster Report 2023.

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