Micronutrient Supplements: Improving Nutrition for Mothers and children

Sambitia watches Ranto, a community worker, test iodine levels in the family’s salt at home in Fitovinany Region, southeastern Madagascar, in July 2024. Iodine is an essential micronutrient.

In Soavinandriana, in central Madagascar, Nampoina Rafaliariherinjatovo, a community health worker, is promoting the benefits of micronutrient tablets to pregnant women in the community. She works with 20 pregnant women from nearby villages and explains why the small micronutrient pill is so important to the health of their babies. 

Fenitra Catherine Rasoanantenaina, 22 years old and pregnant with her first child, is now her seventh month. She regularly visits the health centre for her antenatal consultations and says she has noticed a difference since taking the tablets. “My baby is very more active now and even my doctor has noticed improvements in his development,” she says. “I’ve also noticed improvements for myself. I have a better appetite and feel less tired.”