MAM
Bayer launches nationwide initiative to boost pre-natal nutrition in India
Doctors set Guinness World Record with unified pledge for comprehensive maternal care.
MUMBAI: Bayer has taken a bold step to fill a critical gap by turning doctors into a powerful chorus for better maternal nutrition. Bayer’s Consumer Health Division has launched a groundbreaking nationwide initiative to advance pre-natal nutrition in India. The effort was showcased at the Annual Conference of the All-India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG), where over 300 doctors gathered at the Bayer booth and recorded videos delivering a unified call for comprehensive nutrition.
In a first-of-its-kind effort, 700 healthcare professionals across India recorded a single, synchronised pledge, “I declare my support for 100% nutrition by recommending the right essential micronutrients to every woman.” This collective statement, uploaded on a bespoke platform in just one hour, set a Guinness World Record for the largest live, unified pledge by doctors in pre-natal nutrition.
India faces a severe burden of nutritional deficiencies among women, with nearly 60 per cent affected by anaemia and over 70% experiencing calcium deficiency. These gaps are especially critical during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. The initiative advocates moving beyond a limited focus on iron and folic acid to a more holistic approach that includes a wider range of essential micronutrients, including calcium, which is vital for maternal bone health and fetal development.
Bayer head of marketing and digital consumer health for South Asia Ritu Mittal, said, “This initiative aims to move beyond awareness and inspire meaningful action by harnessing the collective voice of the medical community. Our focus is on equipping healthcare providers with the right knowledge to support every woman’s nutritional journey.”
Dr Alaka Godbole, a senior gynaecologist, reinforced the message, “Maternal nutrition requires a comprehensive and sustained approach. Ensuring the right balance of nutrients can support healthier pregnancies and better long-term outcomes for both mother and child.”
The campaign aligns with national programmes such as Mission Poshan 2.0 and will be rolled out across digital platforms to create a unified call to action for healthcare providers, caregivers, and communities.
In a country where maternal nutrition remains a pressing public health challenge, Bayer has found a creative way to amplify the message by getting doctors to speak with one powerful, record-breaking voice. The initiative not only highlights the problem but also offers a clear, collective solution: comprehensive nutrition for every woman, every day.
