64,884 babies to get vitamin ‘A’ capsules in Rajshahi city

A total of 64,884 babies will be fed vitamin ‘A’ capsules in Rajshahi city during the forthcoming National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign-2023 scheduled to be held on June 18.

Of those, 8,779 babies aged between six to eleven months will be administered one blue-coloured ‘A’ capsule each, while another 56,105 babies from 12 to 59 months red-coloured capsule.

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) health officials revealed this while addressing a press conference held at the City Bhaban conference hall ahead of the campaign today.

They sought cooperation of the journalists to make the campaign a total success to address vitamin deficiency disorders and syndromes among babies.

RCC organized the press conference in association with Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare discussing and devising ways and means on how to make the campaign successful.

During her keynote presentation, RCC Chief Health Officer Dr Anjuman Ara Begum said vitamin ‘A’ supplement is essential for the normal functioning of the visual system, maintenance of cell function for growth, red blood cell production, immunity and reproduction.

The supplementation is also important for substantial reduction of the death rate caused by diarrhea and measles, she said.

Besides, various problems including eyesight and night blindness could be prevented and cured through successful implementation of the campaign, Dr Begum said, adding that the vitamin ‘A’ plus supplement is helpful for reducing the severity and duration of illnesses associated with pneumonia and diarrhea.

Referring to the WHO guidelines, she said children should begin vitamin ‘A’ supplement at the age of six months.

Dr Anjuman Ara said the programme will be conducted in 384 centers in the city. Some 768 health workers will remain posted in the centers for administering the capsules properly. Earlier, they were imparted training for making the campaign successful.