A research project aiming at investigating the impact of multivitamin-mineral supplementation (MMS) during pregnancy on intra-uterin growth retardation was carried out in the Hounde district, an area not far from the Centre Muraz located in Bobo Dioulasso, and where malaria is endemic. Malaria during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, infant mortality and morbidity during the first year of life by inducing growth retardation, prematurity and infant anaemia.