Sight and Life Visits SMART-MMS Implementation in Central Lombok to Strengthen Efforts in Improving MMS Adherence Among Pregnant Women

MMS is an initial step towards better health in NTB.

Summit Institute for Development welcomed representatives of the SMART-MMS program donor, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) through Sight and Life (SAL), for a field visit from 6–8 July 2026 to observe the implementation of the SMART-MMS program at several primary healthcare centers (Puskesmas) and integrated health posts (Posyandu) in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

The visit reflects the shared commitment of all partners to ensure that SMART-MMS is being implemented as planned while providing an opportunity to observe firsthand how digital innovations are improving adherence to Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) among pregnant women.

SMART-MMS has now expanded into Central Lombok after its initial implementation in East Lombok. The program is extending its reach to integrated health posts (Posyandu), engaging healthcare workers, midwives, and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to support pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. 

The visit began with a roadshow at Muncan Primary Healthcare Center (Puskesmas Muncan) in Kopang District, Central Lombok. During the event, dr. Sigit Sulistyo, MPH, Country Program Manager of Sight and Life Indonesia, expressed his appreciation for the strong collaboration among partners while emphasizing the importance of improving adherence to MMS.

Dr. Sigit is discussing with CHP SID.

"One of the greatest challenges we continue to face is ensuring that pregnant women consistently take MMS as recommended. We hope that Puskesmas Muncan can become a role model for other healthcare facilities," said Dr. Sigit.

Echoing this message, Yuni Dwi Setiyawati, MHID, Dietitian, CEO of Summit Institute for Development, highlighted the strategic role of midwives in the success of the program.

"Midwives are at the forefront of maternal healthcare services. Summit is committed to supporting and accelerating the implementation of MMS through a more structured, digitally enabled approach," she said.

What makes SMART-MMS special is its digitization, which helps track pregnant women's adherence to taking MMS.

Meanwhile, dr. Nurhandini Eka Dewi, Sp.A., MPH explained that one of SMART-MMS's key strengths lies in its digital monitoring system, which enables more effective and measurable participant support. She expressed hope that the program would significantly improve adherence to MMS among pregnant women. The Head of Puskesmas Muncan, Samah, SKM, also expressed pride that the health center had been selected as one of the program's implementation sites.

In addition to the roadshow, participants attended presentations highlighting the importance of MMS during pregnancy and the role of digital technology in supporting adherence. The SMART-MMS platform includes WhatsApp and telephone reminders, a real-time monitoring dashboard, and an AI-powered pill counting system capable of estimating the number of remaining tablets in each bottle to monitor supplement adherence.

The event was also attended by representatives of the Provincial and District Stakeholder Advisory Board, including Lalu Efendi Hidayat, ST., MM, Secretary of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Health Office; Baiq Fahmi Ilmiati, S.Farm., Apt, Head of the Pharmacy Working Team; Luh Mas Suhatrining, SKM, Head of the Maternal and Child Health Working Team; and Sally Dwi Aryani, S.IP, Public Relations Officer of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Health Office.

On the second and third days, the delegation visited three Posyandu: Posyandu Bukit Maun in Montong Sapah Village, Posyandu Orok Solong in Kabul Village, and Posyandu Pratama Rarangan in Pijot Village. During these visits, donor representatives observed the participant enrollment process firsthand, including maternal health assessments, education on the benefits of MMS, and guidance on using the SMART-MMS digital platform.

Throughout the enrollment process, pregnant women received support from midwives and Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who also introduced the program's gamification features. This approach is designed to encourage motivation and promote consistent adherence to daily MMS consumption.

Group photo with pregnant women receiving MMS and all relevant stakeholders.

Through close collaboration between local governments, healthcare providers, development partners, and digital technology, SMART-MMS aims to significantly improve adherence to MMS during pregnancy. The program is expected to contribute to reducing the risks of stunting, low birth weight, and pregnancy complications associated with micronutrient deficiencies.

SMART-MMS also forms part of West Nusa Tenggara's preparation to become one of Indonesia's priority provinces for the nationwide implementation of the MMS program in 2027.