US-based group signs deal with Gates Foundation, UNICEF for Pakistan women

The Junaid Family Foundation (JFF) has signed a Letter of Cooperation (LoC) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF to scale up Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women in Pakistan, aiming to address maternal and newborn health challenges.

Although Pakistan is already a leading country in MMS scale-up, this formal agreement aims to expand access, improve supply chains, promote policy development, and raise national awareness about maternal malnutrition. Approximately seven million women become pregnant in Pakistan each year, yet millions still lack access to essential micronutrients. To date, joint donations from JFF and Kirk Humanitarian have reached nearly 2 million women.

Chairman of JFF, Ansir Junaid, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in enhancing maternal nutrition across Pakistan. He noted that the partnership will work with government bodies to support evidence-based policy, assist technical working groups, and strengthen local MMS production and affordability.

“We are honored to be working hand in hand with global leaders like the Gates Foundation and UNICEF to champion maternal health in Pakistan. The deep experience they have implementing MMS around the world complements our ability to open doors and navigate networks specific to Pakistan,” said Ansir Junaid, Chairman of the Junaid Family Foundation.

The LoC also aims to support Pakistan's transition from iron-folic acid supplements to MMS in national antenatal care protocols, aligning with global health guidelines. MMS has been shown to reduce low birth weight, maternal anemia, and stillbirths.

Representatives from JFF, the Gates Foundation, and UNICEF stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration with national and provincial health ministries to ensure MMS reaches the most underserved populations.

At a recent dinner in Islamabad, Ansir Junaid, Zeina Sifri (Gates Foundation), and Abdullah Fadil (UNICEF) formally signed the agreement, committing to long-term support for maternal nutrition in Pakistan.

The Gates Foundation and JFF are both key contributors to global and local MMS efforts, while UNICEF continues to support health equity and maternal-child wellbeing across high-need regions.