26 February 2026 – The Landscape Analysis of the Antenatal MMS Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean report, published by the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) Consortium, hosted by the Micronutrient Forum, provides a comprehensive overview of maternal and child malnutrition, antenatal care (ANC) coverage, and supplementation policies across 12 countries in the region.
Translation available in Spanish
While countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have made notable progress in maternal and child health, persistent socioeconomic disparities, high adolescent pregnancy rates, and the triple burden of malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, overweight, and non-communicable diseases, continue to threaten maternal nutrition outcomes. Anemia among pregnant women remains a significant public health concern, ranging from mild in some countries to severe in others, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen antenatal supplementation policies and programs.
The report examines policies and implementation experiences related to iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and explores the current landscape for Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), including UNIMMAP-MMS. While none of the twelve countries currently include MMS in national ANC guidelines, several are exploring or piloting its introduction, supported by partners such as UNICEF and Vitamin Angels. Mexico, Haiti, and Venezuela have initiated MMS-related activities, and Nicaragua added MMS to its national Essential Medicines List (EML) in 2022. In Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru, MMS is widely available through the private sector, although it is not integrated into public health services.
The analysis also highlights several barriers and bottlenecks to scale-up antenatal supplementation at the national level. Finally, the report concludes with recommendations for decision-makers urging countries to strengthen monitoring systems, harmonize ANC guidelines across public and private sectors, and explore MMS as a strategy to address maternal malnutrition and improve birth outcomes.