Health Indicators
Programs
Download PDFSummary: Phase 2. Initial implementation supported by implementation research
In Mali, multiple national and international partners are actively supporting the introduction and scale‑up of MMS across the country. A collaboration between Jhpiego, the Ministry of Health, Helen Keller International (HKI), and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has resulted in the completion of key implementation research on MMS.
These partners are testing various strategies to address identified barriers, including perceptions of medicines, the appearance of MMS tablets, counseling messages, and packaging. A co‑design process involving pregnant women, mothers, midwives, and graphic designers contributed to the creation of a local product name, labeling and packaging options, and a set of adapted counseling messages and visuals for MMS.
Between 2023 and 2026, three formative studies were conducted in Mali to examine distribution strategies, adherence, acceptability, and the cost‑effectiveness of MMS compared to IFA. These studies provide important evidence to guide policy decisions and program implementation.
To ensure coordination and strengthen advocacy efforts, a national MMS Technical Committee has been established. This committee brings together health professionals, government departments involved in nutrition and reproductive health, and civil society actors.
Despite growing momentum, key challenges remain, particularly regarding the effective introduction and operationalization of MMS programming
Sources: HMHB survey 2025, HMHB survey 2021-2023