Project MMS (Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation) is an intervention study designed to address a critical issue in maternal health: ensuring pregnant women consistently consume essential nutritional supplements, namely multiple micronutrients (MMS) and calcium. Taking place in Lombok Island, Indonesia, this large-scale study will involve approximately 12,000 pregnant women across districts and cities on the island.

The primary objective of Project MMS is to identify the key factors that influence adherence to MMS and calcium supplementation among pregnant women. To do this, the project employs a digital intervention approach, leveraging technology and community engagement to deliver timely, personalized, and data-driven support.

A Digital Intervention Powered by the SID Ecosystem

What sets Project MMS apart is its integration of digital tools into a holistic maternal support system developed by SID. The intervention is carefully designed to meet the needs of pregnant women and health workers through the following components:

• Daily reminders via WhatsApp and call centers, providing women with consistent support and encouragement to take their supplements regularly.

• Scheduled home visits through a system known as “dynamic worker support”, enabling field workers to reach out to women at the right time based on real-time data.

• Unique QR codes printed on each MMS bottle or blister pack, allowing for accurate tracking of supplement distribution and usage.

• A pioneering AI-based image detection tool that allows mothers to simply send a photo of their supplement bottle. The system will then analyze the remaining pills to estimate adherence levels with minimal effort.

Ongoing Activities and Community Engagement

In its early implementation phase, Project MMS has launched several key activities to ensure evidence-based planning and strong local ownership. These include:

• Baseline research through field data collection, early-stage surveys, and preliminary studies to understand the local context of supplement use.

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), interviews, and surveys involving healthcare providers and pregnant women to explore challenges, perceptions, and needs regarding MMS and calcium.

• A grand project launch, attended by key stakeholders in Lombok including representatives from provincial and district health offices, heads of public health centers, academic institutions, and local leaders.

• Knowledge assessments of midwives across Lombok to determine their understanding of MMS and calcium supplementation and to inform future training materials.

• Strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships, aiming to align the project with local health systems and build long-term sustainability.

Impact and Future Aspirations

Through Project MMS, SID aims to establish a more responsive and supportive maternal health system—one that acknowledges the critical role of nutrition and empowers both mothers and health workers. By combining technology, behavioral insights, and community engagement, the project seeks to significantly improve supplement adherence and overall maternal well-being.

Looking beyond Lombok, Project MMS aspires to become a national model for digital health interventions in maternal nutrition. The findings and innovations from this study will serve as a foundation for policy advocacy and potential nationwide integration of MMS and calcium supplementation into Indonesia’s maternal health programs.

This project is not just about digital tools or supplement delivery—it’s about shaping a healthier future for mothers and the next generation.