By Thembi Moyo
South Africa has launched a major clinical trial that could shape the future of maternal healthcare by investigating whether a new nutritional supplement can improve pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly among women living in food-insecure communities.
The study, known as the MMS SA 2025 Clinical Trial, was officially launched on 29 July at the Wits RHI Shandukani Clinical Research Site in Johannesburg. The initiative brings together researchers, government officials, healthcare professionals and development partners in an effort to strengthen maternal and newborn health through improved nutrition.
The trial will examine the effectiveness of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), a single tablet containing a blend of essential vitamins and minerals. The supplement is being evaluated as a potential replacement for the iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets currently provided to pregnant women through South Africa’s public healthcare system.
Representatives from the National Department of Health, academic institutions, regulatory authorities, civil society organisations and healthcare providers attended the launch, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing one of South Africa’s persistent public health challenges.
Poor maternal nutrition continues to contribute to low birth weight, premature births and pregnancy-related complications across the country. Health experts say improving nutrition during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to support healthy pregnancies and ensure children have the best possible start in life during the critical first 1,000 days, from conception to a child’s second birthday.
The clinical trial will be conducted at Esselen Clinic, Hillbrow Community Health Centre and the Wits RHI Hill Solomon Building, where pregnant women receiving antenatal care will participate in the study. Researchers will compare the acceptability of the MMS supplement with the current iron and folic acid treatment while also monitoring how consistently participants take the supplements.
The findings are expected to provide valuable South African evidence that could guide future maternal nutrition policies and improve antenatal care services nationwide.The launch also marked the beginning of participant recruitment. Healthcare workers, specialists, midwives and community leaders received detailed information on the study, including participant eligibility, referral procedures and the ethical standards governing the research.
Experts attending the event discussed South Africa’s maternal nutrition challenges, international developments in micronutrient supplementation and the role of partnerships in improving health outcomes for mothers and babies.Zandile Kubeka, Deputy Director for Dietetics, Child and Youth Health at the National Department of Health, highlighted the importance of strengthening maternal nutrition as part of South Africa’s public healthcare system.
Representatives from the Sight and Life Foundation also outlined the organisation’s commitment to improving maternal nutrition through evidence-based research. The foundation supports projects that focus on better nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, working alongside government and research partners to tackle malnutrition.According to the foundation, the study represents an important opportunity to generate the local scientific evidence needed before changes can be made to national maternal health policies.
The programme also featured presentations from Hold My Hand, which shared examples of partnerships supporting maternal nutrition, while researchers from Wits RHI explained the scientific design of the trial, the country’s maternal nutrition landscape and the roadmap guiding the research.Delegates later visited antenatal clinics in Hillbrow where the trial is being implemented, giving stakeholders an opportunity to observe the study environment and better understand how pregnant women will participate in the research.
Researchers believe the study has the potential to influence future maternal healthcare by providing evidence on whether multiple micronutrient supplementation can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce preventable complications for mothers and newborns.The MMS SA 2025 Clinical Trial is led by Wits RHI in partnership with the Sight and Life Foundation, DG Murray Trust and Hold My Hand, with support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. Together, the organisations hope the research will contribute to healthier pregnancies, safer births and stronger health outcomes for women and children across South Africa.
