19 March 2026 – UNICEF recently published updated United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation for Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (UNIMMAP MMS) Product Specification and Technical Requirements — establishing one global quality standard for the manufacturing, testing, packaging, and labeling of prenatal vitamins and minerals for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Developed in collaboration with Kirk Humanitarian, this unified standard ensures product consistency, safety, and interchangeability across global markets.
UNICEF Product Specification Sheet for UNIMMAP MMS
UNICEF Technical Requirements for Micronutrient Supplement Products
HMHB has released a technical brief with answers to frequently asked questions for advocates, governments, regulators, manufacturers and other actors in the supply chain to summarize and explain these two new resources published by UNICEF.
HMHB Technical Brief and FAQ for UNIMMAP MMS Quality Standards
Available in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic
UNIMMAP MMS is a standardized prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement formulation originally developed by WHO, UNICEF, and the UN University, containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals, specifically designed for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. It improves birth outcomes, reducing anemia, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality compared to iron-folic acid (IFA).
UNICEF’s latest unified quality standard for UNIMMAP MMS supports the entire supply chain, enabling governments to scale MMS with confidence, regulators to evaluate products more efficiently, and manufacturers to align on clear quality expectations. Additionally, these unified standards protect the health of vulnerable pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies by ensuring that only high-quality, safe, and effective UNIMMAP MMS products reach pregnant women, regardless of where they live or where UNIMMAP MMS products are produced. More information can be found on the UNICEF UNIMMAP MMS Resource Hub.