By Amanda Chinyere, Portharcourt
The Rivers State Ministry of Health has flagged off a three-day training workshop aimed at developing a costed implementation plan for Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) in the state.
The event, which began on Monday at Portland Resort Hotel, Port Harcourt, was declared open on behalf of the Commissioner for Health by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prof Justina Jumbo.
In her opening remarks, the representative of the Commissioner, acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its leadership in advancing maternal and child health priorities across the country. She also commended the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for its continued technical support and commitment to strengthening the state’s health system.
She noted that the workshop brings together participants, partners, facilitators, MDAs, and development stakeholders with a shared goal: improving the wellbeing of mothers and children in Rivers State.
She stressed that maternal nutrition remains central to safe pregnancies, healthy childbirth, and optimal early childhood development, yet micronutrient deficiencies persist in many communities.
The Ministry highlighted that Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation has been globally proven to reduce maternal anaemia, support fetal growth, enhance cognitive development, and improve pregnancy outcomes. However, the success of the programme depends on strong planning, realistic costing, effective budgeting and coordinated implementation.
The workshop, she explained, will focus on identifying gaps, strengthening delivery platforms, improving supply chain systems, and developing a practical, evidence-based and sustainable implementation roadmap for MMS in the state.
“What we are building is not just a document but a strategic roadmap that will guide decision-making, mobilize resources and ensure that every pregnant woman in Rivers State benefits from improved micronutrient nutrition,” she said.
She commended partners, technical experts and all participants for their commitment and urged them to contribute meaningfully throughout the three-day engagement.
The session was formally declared open with a call for a productive and impactful workshop.
