Reduce anaemia in women of reproductive age (41% by 2030, 20%)

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MOHSP) will coordinate implementation of the national communication programme on the first 1000 days for 2020–2024 and the national programme on the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies and related diseases. Specifically, strong advocacy is required to include iron and folic acid supplements in the national essential medicines list and mobilise state funding from the Ministry of Finance to ensure that women of reproductive age and pregnant women have access to iron and folic acid supplementation regardless of their economic capability. Healthcare workers’ capacity to provide supportive maternal nutrition counselling will be strengthened as a supply side component whilst pregnant women, women of reproductive age and communities as a whole are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and nutrition and to address anaemia. Awareness raising and guidance for subnational authorities on how to integrate nutrition interventions in their work plan will also be crucial and will be conducted in selected districts initially.