The success of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation programme for pregnant women can significantly increase through disseminating awareness, according to a pilot project implemented by the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) and the Micronutrient Initiative (MI).

The awareness creating project implemented in Satkhira and Narsingdi between 2011 and 2014 found that nearly 98 percent of women in the districts received IFA in 2014 while only 51 percent women took the supplements in 2011.

The evaluation report of the project concluded that anaemia could be reduced in pregnant women, if they The success of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation programme for pregnant women can significantly increase through disseminating awareness, according to a pilot project implemented by the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) and the Micronutrient Initiative (MI).

The awareness creating project implemented in Satkhira and Narsingdi between 2011 and 2014 found that nearly 98 percent of women in the districts received IFA in 2014 while only 51 percent women took the supplements in 2011.

The evaluation report of the project concluded that anaemia could be reduced in pregnant women, if they were provided with proper counselling on consuming IFA tablets, access to trained health staff and community workers, and adequate supplies of medicines.

The findings of the study were revealed at a workshop titled "Strengthening Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program to Reduce Anaemia among Pregnant Women" at Hotel Lakeshore in the capital on Thursday, said a press release.

Encouraged by the success of the project, IPHN decided to replicate the programme with MI's support in 10 more districts with higher rate of anaemia. 

Additional Secretary to the health ministry Roxana Quader, Additional DG of the Directorate General of Health Services Shah Newaz, IPHN Director Md Alamgir Ahmed, MI's Regional Director John McCullough, Deputy Director Planning and Lead Analyst of Canadian High Commission Heather McBride and MI Director SM Mustafizur Rahman participated in the workshop.