With support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, NOURISH, led by Nutrition International and in partnership with Sight and Life in Rwanda, is advancing country-led action to strengthen antenatal care services and scale access to lifesaving micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women across eight countries in Africa.

Kigali, RWANDA — [February 20, 2026] — In a significant move to strengthen maternal nutrition and improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers across the country, NOURISH (Nurture the ecosystem, Optimise the market, Unlock financing, Reinforce ANC platforms, Integrate and Scale MMS and Calcium for Healthy Future) was officially launched in Rwanda on February 20, 2026. Led by Nutrition International, and in partnership with Sight and Life and other global partners, and supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the multi-country initiative aims to strengthen antenatal care (ANC) systems while scaling access to multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) and introducing calcium supplementation for pregnant women.

The launch of NOURISH in Kigali, Rwanda, marks a significant step in supporting the Government of Rwanda’s efforts to scale up MMS nationwide. The event brought together senior government leaders, donors, as well as technical and implementing partners to re-affirm their collective commitment, and ensure that MMS can be delivered at scale through Rwanda’s ANC platforms, backed by sustained government leadership.

Maternal health remains a national priority for Rwanda,” said Prof. MUVUNYI MAMBO Claude, the Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. “Through NOURISH, we are building on the strong foundations already established within our health system to further strengthen antenatal care services and ensure that proven nutrition interventions reach every pregnant woman. We are pleased to partner with Nutrition International, Sight and Life, and CIFF in this important effort. With the support of CIFF, we are confident that Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation and calcium will be effectively integrated and scaled nationally as part of our commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

In Rwanda, nearly one in four pregnant women suffers from anaemia and 2.7% of newborns are born with low birthweight, underscoring the urgent need for effective maternal nutrition interventions. Research shows that MMS, a daily supplement containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant women, is just as effective as iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) in preventing maternal anaemia and even more effective at improving birth outcomes, including reducing low birthweight and preterm births.

NOURISH builds on Rwanda’s strong foundation in maternal health and nutrition, supporting the country’s transition from IFAS to MMS in ANC. The initiative emphasizes long-term sustainability by strengthening workforce capacity, supply chains and quality assurance, health information systems for real-time monitoring as well as decision making, governance and coordination mechanisms across institutions.

“Rwanda is once again demonstrating leadership by strengthening its ANC platform to deliver high-impact nutrition interventions at scale," said Elvis Gakuba, Africa Director, Sight and Life. “As a technical assistance partner, Sight and Life is proud to partner with the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Biomedical Center, to embed MMS and calcium into routine ANC services. Through NOURISH, we are helping to build resilient supply chains, strengthen health worker capacity, and reinforce data systems so that every pregnant woman in Rwanda can access the nutrition she needs for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy future.”

The launch also reaffirmed CIFF’s commitment to supporting country-led maternal and child health efforts across Africa, with NOURISH expected to catalyze sustainable financing while reinforcing national capacity to plan, implement and scale maternal nutrition interventions.

“Nutrition is the foundation of good health for individuals, and investing in maternal and child nutrition is foundational to building a thriving, prosperous society. Beyond strengthening physical health, it is also an investment in a country’s grey matter infrastructure: the cognitive potential, human capital, and future productivity of its people. To ensure mothers and children have consistent access to the nutrition they need, we must move beyond short-term interventions and support long-term, sustainable systems. That is why we are proud to stand behind the Government of Rwanda’s leadership to scale up Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation nationwide through NOURISH helping to secure healthier pregnancies today, and stronger human capital for Rwanda’s future.” - Richard Matikanya, Deputy Executive Director, Africa, CIFF.

Through NOURISH, Rwanda is demonstrating a shared commitment by government, partners and donors to strengthen maternal nutrition systems, improve ANC services and ensure every pregnant woman has access to lifesaving supplements. By aligning financing, technical support and service delivery behind national leadership, NOURISH not only reinforces Rwanda’s ANC platform, but also lays the groundwork for sustainable improvements in maternal and child health across the country.