Global partnership expands access to food supplements for pregnant women in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: In a major move to combat maternal undernutrition, the Junaid Family Foundation (JFF) has entered into a new strategic partnership with the Gates Foundation and UNICEF to expand access to multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women across Pakistan. The collaboration focuses on improving maternal health and food-based nutrition by integrating MMS into national health strategies and antenatal care protocols.

While Pakistan is already recognized globally for its progress in scaling up MMS, this formal Letter of Cooperation (LoC) marks a significant commitment to advance food supplements and improve nutrition outcomes for mothers and their babies. With an estimated 7 million pregnancies each year, the demand for MMS remains high. To date, a joint donation from JFF and Kirk Humanitarian has helped nearly 2 million women, but experts stress that further investment is needed to ensure nationwide access.

Key objectives of the partnership include:

• Enhancing access to food-based micronutrient supplements for pregnant women
• Supporting federal and provincial governments with evidence-based policy development
• Strengthening supply chains, local production, and affordability of MMS
• Promoting public awareness and education around maternal malnutrition and nutrition rights
• Advancing implementation science and performance monitoring to ensure impact

"We are honored to work alongside global leaders to champion maternal nutrition in Pakistan," said Ansir Junaid, Chairman of JFF. "This partnership is rooted in our belief that every mother deserves proper nutrition and every child deserves a healthy start to life."

The Gates Foundation and UNICEF bring global expertise and implementation experience in MMS, while JFF provides local insight, networks, and on-the-ground leadership. Together, they aim to elevate maternal nutrition as a human right and key pillar of sustainable development in Pakistan.

According to experts, deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals remain a pressing public health issue in Pakistan. MMS, a scientifically backed formulation containing 15 essential nutrients, is proven to reduce risks such as low birth weight, maternal anemia, and stillbirth. The partners support Pakistan’s transition from iron-folic acid to comprehensive MMS as part of routine antenatal care.

Jackie Range, Executive Director at JFF, emphasized:

"This is not just charity—it's a strategic investment in healthier communities and stronger economies."

The Letter of Cooperation was signed during a dinner in Islamabad hosted by JFF, where Ansir Junaid, Zeina Sifri from the Gates Foundation, and Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF's Pakistan Representative, committed to aligning their efforts with national priorities.

JFF, which operates both in Cleveland, Ohio and Pakistan, currently supports the largest MMS program in the country. Its broader initiatives span healthcare, education, diversity, and community development.

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