17 June 2026 – A forthcoming Coffee & Chai Chat on 9 July 2026 will bring global attention to Ethiopia’s pioneering efforts to translate evidence into action on maternal nutrition. Titled “From Evidence to Action: Lessons from Ethiopia on Scaling MMS,” the one-hour virtual event will take place at 3:00 PM CEST | 6:30 PM IST | 9:00 AM EDT. The discussion builds on a landmark study recently published in The Lancet Global Health, one of the largest trials of its kind, comparing multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) with iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation across routine antenatal care in 42 districts of Ethiopia. The chat will feature Mashresha Tessema (Ethiopian Public Health Institute), one of the authors of the study, and Ramadhani Noor (UNICEF Ethiopia).
Based on data from over 85,000 births, the study found that MMS increased mean birthweight by 38 grams overall, and by 58 grams among women with high adherence (≥90 tablets). MMS also modestly reduced the risk of stillbirth, reinforcing global recommendations on MMS to improve maternal nutrition. Beyond the results, the study highlights critical realities: gains remain modest without sustained adherence, reliable supply chains, and strong health systems. Ethiopia’s response—launching a costed national roadmap to transition from IFA to MMS—offers a practical model for moving from evidence to implementation at scale.
This Coffee and Chai Chat is especially timely for countries and partners seeking to accelerate MMS adoption. It will provide insights into how national leadership, locally generated evidence, and coordinated financing can drive policy change. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in real time regarding operational lessons on scaling, including addressing supply constraints, supporting consistent use, and strengthening antenatal care delivery systems. As more countries consider transitioning to MMS, Ethiopia’s experience offers a compelling example of how research, policy, and practice can align to improve maternal and newborn outcomes.