Sustaining Momentum in Maternal Health Across Pakistan

The Junaid Family Foundation (JFF) and Kirk Humanitarian are proud to share an update on the ongoing distribution of the second one million bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women across Pakistan, a continuation of our joint two-million-plus bottle donation.

This year’s joint effort has reached more than 750,000 women thus far, advancing maternal nutrition and contributing to healthier pregnancies and birth outcomes nationwide. This one million + donation is being distributed in all 7 provinces/regions of the country, encompassing 35 districts. To date, over two million women have received MMS via joint donations from JFF and Kirk Humanitarian. Distribution of the remaining MMS supply will conclude this month.

Over 1,000 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) have now been trained and educated on the benefits of MMS, proper dosage, and effective distribution methods. Their dedication since the inception of the MMS program in Pakistan continues to be central to the success of this initiative. LHWs are critical to both last mile distribution as well as the culturally sensitive education necessary to ensure vital nutrients reach and are consumed by mothers in need, regardless of geographical location.

In July, JFF, together with its monitoring and evaluation partner UNICEF, visited Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to assess the ongoing distribution of MMS in the province. During visits to three districts, the team observed strong adherence among women taking MMS, effective educational outreach by LHWs, and consistent recordkeeping at district headquarters. In interviews, many women shared positive experiences with the supplements. “My last baby was weak, but the LHW gave me MMS in the fourth month of my pregnancy, and my baby is healthy,” said a mother in the Shigar district.

Recently, devastating floods across Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, have displaced thousands of families and disrupted local health infrastructure. Despite these challenging circumstances, the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C) responded swiftly by mobilizing teams to ensure that pregnant women in affected districts continued to receive MMS. The MoNHSR&C’s quick response emphasizes the growing national commitment to maternal nutrition in Pakistan.

The Strategic and Technical Working Group on MMS, led by Pakistan’s MoNHSR&C, and composed of JFF, the Gates Foundation, UNICEF, Nutrition International, and Save the Children, has played an instrumental role in guiding the success of MMS distribution. Through the collaboration and technical support, the group has strengthened logistics, improved data tracking, and ensured continuity of distribution, despite any challenges that arise.

The progress Pakistan has seen in MMS distribution and maternal nutrition reflects the power of partnership and persistence. Together with our collaborators, the MoNHSR&C, and the LHWs on the ground, JFF and Kirk Humanitarian remain committed to ensuring that every woman, regardless of circumstance or location, has access to the essential nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy start for their child. Looking ahead, JFF will continue supporting the government’s integration of MMS into national health programs and expanding future donations to reach even more mothers across Pakistan.