Bayer’s Consumer Health Division has launched a nationwide initiative to advance pre-natal nutrition in India. As part of this effort, the initiative was showcased at the Annual Conference of the All-India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG), where over 300 doctors at the Bayer booth recorded videos delivering a unified call for comprehensive nutrition. Bringing together the medical community in a first-of-its-kind effort, the initiative reinforces the importance of a collective voice in support of comprehensive nutrition for women.
As part of the campaign, 700 healthcare professionals across India recorded a single, synchronised pledge: “I declare my support for 100 per cent nutrition by recommending the right essential micronutrients to every woman.” This collective statement, uploaded on a bespoke platform in one hour set a Guinness World Record for the largest live, unified pledge by doctors in prenatal nutrition establishing a new benchmark in collaborative advocacy.
Commenting on the initiative, Sandeep Verma, Cluster Head, South Asia-Bayer Consumer Health, said, ‘’India faces one of the highest burdens of maternal nutritional deficiencies globally, and addressing just iron and folic acid inadequacy is not enough. Our approach is holistic- ‘IFA-plus’ ensuring women receive the full spectrum of essential micronutrients. By bringing doctors from across the country together in a single pledge, we are reinforcing the vision of One Nation, 100% Nutrition, a unified and powerful call to ensure comprehensive nutritional well-being for all. This initiative reflects Bayer’s long-term commitment to building categories, and to driving better health outcomes for women, families, and communities across India.’’
Reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach, Dr Alaka Godbole, M.D. (Gynaecology & Obstetrics), FICOG, P.G.D.M.L.S., added , “Maternal nutrition requires a comprehensive and sustained approach, as nutritional needs evolve across different stages of pregnancy and lactation. Moving beyond a limited focus on iron and folic acid to a broader spectrum of essential micronutrients including calcium, which is critical for maternal bone health and fetal development is the key to improving outcomes. Ensuring the right balance of nutrients can support healthier pregnancies and better long-term outcomes for both mother and child.”
The initiative supports national programs such as Mission Poshan 2.0, which focus on improving nutrition among women, especially during pregnancy and lactation. By leveraging the collective voice of doctors, Bayer aims to strengthen awareness and encourage a shift toward comprehensive nutrition. The campaign will be rolled out across digital platforms, creating a unified call to action for healthcare providers, caregivers, and communities.