SMC launches nutrition campaign

Social Marketing Company (SMC) has launched a two-day nationwide ‘Pregnancy Nutrition Campaign 2026’ to raise awareness about maternal nutrition and antenatal care. Around 22,000 Blue Star, Green Star and Gold Star service providers, field teams and out-of-network service providers will counsel pregnant women and distribute nutritional supplements as part of the campaign.

The campaign was formally inaugurated at 3pm on Sunday, September 13, at Shikdar Bari premises in Madhabpasha Union of Babuganj upazila in Barishal. A discussion session was organised there with pregnant women as part of the campaign.

The two-day campaign was inaugurated by SMC and SMC Enterprise Limited (SMC EL) Chairman Faruk Ahmed. SMC and SMC EL board directors Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury and Dr Zahur Uddin Ahmed, SMC Managing Director and CEO Taslim Uddin Khan, and SMC EL Managing Director Saief Nasir were present at the event. Senior officials from SMC’s head office, regional offices and field operations also attended.

The guests spoke with the pregnant women attending the gathering and distributed SMC’s ‘Phulcare’, a multiple micronutrient supplement containing 15 vitamins and minerals.

Under the campaign, around 22,000 Blue Star, Green Star and Gold Star service providers, field teams and out-of-network service providers will provide counselling on pregnancy care, nutritional needs and regular antenatal care. They will also distribute ‘Phulcare’ to pregnant women.

In addition, awareness activities will be conducted in 161 upazilas through SMC’s community mobilisation programme to encourage pregnant women to receive pregnancy-related and regular antenatal care.

Speaking at the inauguration, Faruk Ahmed said, “A healthy generation begins with a healthy mother. Therefore, investment in maternal health and child nutrition not only ensures a mother’s wellbeing but also plays an important role in building a healthy and capable generation for the future.”

Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury said, “Our goal is to bring pregnant women under antenatal care and raise awareness about proper nutrition. Through collective efforts, we want every pregnant woman to have access to the care and nutrition she needs.”

Dr Zahur Uddin Ahmed said, “Alongside raising awareness to address maternal nutrition deficiencies, we need to ensure quality nutrition for pregnant women and make it accessible and affordable.”
//DBTech/NAP/SME/MIS//