Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy life, yet too many mothers and babies in South Africa are struggling with anaemia. One in three pregnant women in the country is affected, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other serious health complications Source. The Hold My Hand campaign is calling on government, communities, and individuals to work together to improve maternal nutrition, ensure access to essential supplements, and support mothers with the knowledge they need to thrive.
Why Maternal Nutrition Matters
When a mother is healthy and well-nourished, her baby is more likely to be born strong and healthy. Pregnancy increases the demand for essential nutrients, and deficiencies can have lifelong consequences. . The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends daily multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) for pregnant women, as they contain 15 essential micronutrients, including iron and folic acid, offering broader benefits than iron-folic acid (IFA) alone Source. Despite this, many mothers in South Africa struggle to access or adhere to these supplements.
Key Interventions to Improve Maternal Nutrition
Tackling maternal nutrition requires a combination of approaches, including supplementation, food fortification, and stronger healthcare services.
1. Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS)
MMS is a critical intervention for preventing anaemia and ensuring adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy. It goes beyond iron and folic acid, covering other essential vitamins and minerals. South Africa should scale up access to MMS as part of routine antenatal care, ensuring all pregnant women receive these life-saving supplements Source.
2. Food Fortification
Food fortification is another key strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Fortifying staple foods with iron, folic acid, and other essential nutrients can help reduce the prevalence of anaemia. However, while fortification is essential, it is not sufficient to meet maternal nutrient needs, which is why supplementation remains a necessary standard of care Source.
3. Expanding Nutrition Education and Support
Many pregnant women in South Africa do not take supplements due to side effects, lack of awareness, or difficulty accessing healthcare. Strengthening community-based nutrition education can help ensure more women understand the benefits of MMS and IFA supplements and are supported to take them consistently.
4. Strengthening Healthcare Services
Ensuring that maternal and child health is a core focus of community health workers will help improve screening, early identification, and treatment of nutritional deficiencies. Training healthcare workers to monitor micronutrient intake and provide early intervention for anaemia is crucial Source.
Organisations Supporting Maternal Nutrition in South Africa
Many South African organisations are working to improve maternal and child nutrition. While they may not focus solely on anaemia, their efforts contribute to better maternal health overall. Some examples of organisations are:
- Africa AHEAD – Empowers communities through Community Health Clubs, providing mothers with knowledge about nutrition and health.
- ForAfrika – One of Africa’s largest humanitarian organisations, providing food and healthcare to mothers and children.
- Starfish Greathearts Foundation – Supports vulnerable children with healthcare, education, and nutrition programmes.
- Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre – A non-profit community health centre providing maternal and child healthcare.
- Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Trust - Addressing maternal and child health challenges in underserved areas around Cape Town through sustainable, community-driven health solutions
While these organisations play a crucial role, maternal nutrition requires a more coordinated national effort. Linking these efforts with government policies, international best practices, and research-based interventions will help accelerate progress.
South Africa’s Role in the Global Fight Against Anaemia
South Africa is part of the Anaemia Action Alliance, a WHO and UNICEF initiative that brings together governments, NGOs, and communities to address anaemia in mothers and children Source. In addition, global organisations such as:
are leading efforts to improve access to MMS and other maternal health interventions worldwide.
Challenges We Must Overcome
Despite ongoing efforts, maternal nutrition remains a significant challenge. The biggest barriers include:
✔ Limited access to iron-rich foods – Many families struggle to afford nutritious meals.
✔ Low supplement use – Some mothers do not take iron pills due to side effects or misinformation.
✔ Health conditions like HIV – These can make anaemia worse, requiring stronger interventions.
How We Can Accelerate Progress
We need to work together to:
- Empower mothers with knowledge – Education on nutrition and supplements is essential.
- Strengthen community healthcare – Health workers must support pregnant women at every stage.
- Improve food policies – Expanding fortification and making iron-rich foods affordable is key.
- Encourage breastfeeding – This improves infant health and reduces anaemia risk.
Hold My Hand: Because No Mother Should Face This Alone
Improving maternal nutrition is not just about food—it’s about equity, education, and access to healthcare. No mother should go through pregnancy without the right support, care, and information.
By holding hands—government, NGOs, communities, and individuals—we can turn the tide on anaemia and malnutrition. Together, we can ensure every mother and child gets the best possible start in life.
Join the Movement. Support These Initiatives. Spread the Word.
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