Collaboration Between the District Health Office and SUMMIT Strengthens SMART-MMS Implementation to Prevent Maternal Anemia and Low Birth Weight in Central Lombok

Active collaboration and participation from all stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation of the program.

The SMART-MMS Socialization and Implementation Coordination Roadshow, held in Central Lombok Regency on May 13, 2026, marked an important step toward strengthening maternal health services through the use of digital technology. The event brought together representatives from the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Health Office, the Central Lombok District Health Office, professional associations, primary healthcare workers, and the Summit Institute for Development (SID).

SMART-MMS (Study of Monitoring, Adherence, and Response to Technology in Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation) is an implementation study designed to improve adherence to Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) among pregnant women through innovative digital approaches. These include automated WhatsApp reminders, real-time monitoring systems, and AI-powered pill counting technology. The study will involve pregnant women from 18 primary healthcare centers (Puskesmas) across Central Lombok during the 2026–2027 implementation period.

In her opening remarks, Yuni Dwi Setiyawati, MHID., Dietitian, Chief Executive Officer of the Summit Institute for Development, highlighted that SMART-MMS builds upon the success of the earlier SUMMIT Program, which has been recognized nationally and by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its contribution to reducing maternal and infant mortality.

She emphasized that by integrating digital technology into maternal nutrition programs, SMART-MMS has the potential to further strengthen maternal and child healthcare services and improve health outcomes in a sustainable manner.

“SMART-MMS builds on the strong foundation established by the SUMMIT Program. Through digital innovation, we aim to enhance adherence to nutritional supplementation, strengthen maternal health services, and contribute to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies across Indonesia,” she stated.

Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) is essential for pregnant women to support the development of a healthy and thriving generation.

dr. Mamang Bagiansah, Sp.PD., FINASIM., C.M.C, Head of the Central Lombok District Health Office, expressed his appreciation for the strong cross-sector collaboration supporting the implementation of SMART-MMS. He emphasized that adherence to Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) is a critical factor in efforts to reduce maternal mortality, infant mortality, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW).

During the technical sessions, speakers highlighted that MMS is a national government program containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy. Evidence from multiple studies has demonstrated that MMS can help reduce the risk of maternal anemia, low birth weight, stunting, and preterm birth, while also supporting optimal fetal growth and development. However, one of the main challenges remains ensuring consistent adherence among pregnant women, underscoring the need for innovative education and digital monitoring approaches.

In addition to presentations on policy and implementation strategies, participants discussed the MMS distribution process, recommended consumption practices, logistics reporting mechanisms, and educational strategies for pregnant women at both primary healthcare centers (Puskesmas) and community health posts (Posyandu). Interactive discussions involving midwives, pharmacists, and healthcare workers generated valuable insights on managing side effects, proper storage of MMS, distribution in rural areas, and strengthening community awareness and engagement.

Support for the initiative was also expressed by Firdaus Kabiru Massey, S.Apt., M.Farm, from Wajageseng Primary Health Center (Puskesmas Wajageseng), who welcomed the introduction of MMS as an important step toward strengthening maternal nutrition interventions. During the discussion session, he emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive guidance on the technical aspects of implementation, including distribution mechanisms, storage requirements, and side-effect management, to ensure the program can be implemented effectively and consistently across healthcare facilities.

Midwives and Healthcare Workers Engage in an Interactive Discussion to Gain Deeper Insights into the SMART-MMS Program

Through this roadshow, all stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of SMART-MMS and maximizing its impact across participating communities. The program is expected to play an important role in strengthening maternal nutrition and supporting healthier pregnancies through improved adherence to Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS).

Ultimately, SMART-MMS aims to contribute to the development of a healthier, smarter, and more resilient future generation by helping prevent anemia and improving maternal and child health outcomes from the earliest stages of life, beginning during pregnancy.