Major update about Maternal Nutrition Program in Pakistan

In a major step toward improving maternal and newborn health in Pakistan, the Junaid Family Foundation (JFF) has signed a Letter of Cooperation (LoC) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF to expand access to Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women across the country.

Although Pakistan is already a global leader in scaling up MMS, this new agreement formalizes a strategic partnership aimed at deepening collaboration across multiple sectors.

The focus will be on improving supply chains, strengthening research and policy development, and building public awareness around maternal undernutrition — a persistent and critical public health challenge in Pakistan.

With an estimated 7 million pregnancies annually, the need for maternal nutritional support is immense. While nearly 2 million women have already received UNIMMAP MMS through a joint donation by JFF and Kirk Humanitarian, the LoC acknowledges that much more must be done to ensure universal access to these essential supplements.

“We are honored to work alongside global leaders like the Gates Foundation and UNICEF,” said Ansir Junaid, Chairman of JFF. “Their international experience complements our deep roots in Pakistan. Every mother deserves the right nutrition for a healthy pregnancy, and every child deserves a strong start in life.”

The partnership supports Pakistan’s transition from iron-folic acid to MMS as part of its national antenatal care protocols. Research shows that MMS significantly reduces maternal anemia, low birth weight, and stillbirths, making it a globally endorsed solution for maternal undernutrition.

“Maternal nutrition is not a privilege—it’s a right,” said Jackie Range, Executive Director at JFF. “This partnership is a long-term investment in the health of future generations and in Pakistan’s development as a whole.”

The LoC was signed during a dinner hosted by JFF in Islamabad, attended by senior leaders from all three organizations, including Zeina Sifri, Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, and Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF’s Country Representative in Pakistan.

The partnership underscores a shared vision: advancing health equity, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening Pakistan’s health systems—with a focus on women and children, especially in high-burden and underserved districts.