At the 2026 Micronutrient Forum Global Conference in Accra, Ghana, Vitamin Angels presented new research to enhance country-led nutrition initiatives focused on maternal and child health. This builds on more than 30 years of experience in maternal and child nutrition and their ongoing work with UNIMMAP multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) since 2018.

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Vitamin Angels highlighted the significance of integrating MMS into antenatal care, while also reinforcing vitamin A supplementation and deworming programs for children. The findings emphasize the critical role of integrated nutrition interventions, robust healthcare systems, and the necessity for strong country leadership in achieving sustainable health impacts.

Dr. Ana Céspedes, President and CEO of Vitamin Angels, stated, "Delivering a proven nutrition intervention is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Sustainable impact requires strong health systems, trained health workers, reliable product supply, effective behavior change strategies, and, above all, country leadership."

Among the research findings presented were studies from Indonesia and Kenya. In Indonesia, Vitamin Angels has partnered with the government and local entities to advance MMS since 2018, culminating in a national MMS program launched in October 2024. Research showcased the use of digital tools, such as WhatsApp groups, to boost MMS adherence among pregnant women while identifying essential factors like health worker training and consistent engagement.

In Makueni County, Kenya, a study revealed that while 93% of pregnant women received iron and folic acid supplementation, only 17% completed the recommended course. The study’s outcomes informed Kenya's first county-wide MMS program, highlighting how practical research can drive governmental initiatives.

Vitamin Angels also presented a systematic review involving 51 studies on nutrition delivery during pregnancy. Published in Advances in Nutrition in 2026, the findings suggest that MMS can improve maternal anemia outcomes compared to iron and folic acid alone when introduced early and coupled with individualized care.

Further research from India, Cambodia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo examined strategies to bolster vitamin A supplementation and deworming programs. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Vitamin Angels provided vitamin A to over 13 million children in 2025, a collaboration with the National Nutrition Program aimed to integrate these services into primary healthcare effectively.

Additionally, Vitamin Angels introduced the Climate-Inspired Nutrition Through Action (CINTA) initiative in Indonesia, promoting an integrated, climate-resilient approach to nutrition. This initiative seeks to reach about 12 million women and children over five years, combining various nutrition interventions with enhanced healthcare systems.

Vitamin Angels' presentations underline their commitment to advancing maternal and child nutrition through a comprehensive strategy that reflects their mission to reach 477 million women and children across 57 countries by 2030. For more information, visit Vitamin Angels' official website.