PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The National Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) Program for pregnant women is the foundation for creating a healthy and intelligent generation in the future.

This was stated by the Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, when attending the Launch of the National MMS Multivitamin Program for Pregnant Women at the Cempaka Arum Health Center UPT, Bandung City, Thursday (17/10/2024).

In addition to creating a smart and healthy generation in the future. Bey said, the MMS program for pregnant women is also a manifestation of the government's commitment to improving maternal and child health towards a healthy and quality Indonesian generation.

"I fully support the Ministry of Health's policy of setting micronutrient supplement standards for pregnant women. This is a strategic step towards Golden Indonesia 2045, where we need a healthy and competitive generation," he said.

Bey explained that West Java Province, with the largest population, is serious about handling maternal and child health.

Improving maternal nutrition is important in reducing stunting and anemia. The role of MMS is significant in covering the needs of iron, folic acid, and other comprehensive benefits for mothers and babies.

"The West Java Provincial Government is committed to supporting the implementation of the MMS program throughout the region, ensuring that Community Health Centers and hospitals distribute it effectively, including to remote areas," he said.

The launch of MMS is a testament to the collaboration between the central and regional governments, the business world, and international donors.

According to Bey, collaboration is the key to success in ensuring every pregnant woman gets adequate nutrition.

"I hope this program runs smoothly and has a significant impact in improving the health of pregnant women and babies, and becomes the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for Indonesia," said Bey.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, revealed that the MMS program was launched to make newborn babies healthy and intelligent.

"Because the results of the study, if we use MMS, the nutrition of pregnant women will be much better. Then the baby will also be born healthier, reducing short babies, stunting, and also reducing infant mortality," said Budi.

"There has been research all over the world and it has been a WHO guide since 2020. We are just implementing it now," he added.

Budi said that West Java was chosen as the first province to implement the MMS program because it has the largest number of pregnant women, so it is starting from the largest and it is hoped that it can reduce the birth of babies with nutritional problems.

Nationally, there are 15 provinces (including West Java) that have been given this multivitamin program for pregnant women.

"Thank you, Mr. Acting Governor of West Java, we will start in West Java which has the largest number of pregnant women. We hope that if this is launched nationally starting next year, it can reduce the birth of babies with nutritional problems and also reduce infant mortality," said Budi.