Antenatal Care Attendance and Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Intake: Perspectives from Women and Antenatal Care Service Providers in Rwanda.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Emerging evidence suggests that multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) provide additional benefits for maternal and neonatal health compared with iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements. To achieve effective coverage, acceptability, and adherence-and to inform a nationwide rollout of MMS-it is essential to understand the context-specific factors that shape implementation. This study evaluated the pilot implementation of MMS in Rwanda to identify key enablers, areas for improvement, and challenges related to antenatal care (ANC) attendance and MMS use.

METHODS

Data were collected through a survey of 3257 women who attended ANC services, seven focus group discussions with 35 ANC attendees, and key informant interviews with 20 ANC nurses and 21 community health workers.

RESULTS

Pregnant women reported high ANC attendance (74%) and MMS consumption (79%), largely driven by strong motivation and awareness of MMS benefits. Strategies to remember daily intake and to manage side effects supported adherence, as did reminders, motivation, and information from family members and healthcare providers. Limited patient-centered counselling, financial constraints, barriers to accessing ANC services, and product stock-outs were key areas for strengthening service delivery in Rwanda.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustaining high ANC attendance and MMS adherence as the program transitions from the pilot phase to national scale-up is essential. Improving counseling quality and strengthening supply chains may reinforce ANC services and support sustained MMS adherence, with benefits for maternal and child health.