BSS-49 Vitamin A vital for healthier growth of children: experts

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ZCZC

BSS-49

VITAMIN A-RANGPUR (with picture)

Vitamin A vital for healthier growth of children: experts

RANGPUR, June 20, 2019 (BSS) – Health experts at a press briefing here today said providing under-five children with Vitamin A is vital for their normal and healthier growth.

They said this at the event organised by Civil Surgeon Office at his conference room to inform media about preparations taken to make the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign (first round) -2019 on June 22 successful in the district.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Abu Md. Zakirul Islam briefed journalists on preparations taken to make the campaign for over 3.55-lakh under five children (6 to 59 months) successful across the district.

Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Kaniz Sabiha and Medical Officer of World Health Organisation at Civil Surgeon’s Office Dr. Irfan Ali spoke.

The Civil Surgeon said one dose of one-lakh unit Vitamin A Blue capsule would be administered to 37,863 children (6 to 11 months) and one dose two-lakh unit Vitamin ‘A’ Red capsule to three lakh 17 thousand and 974 children (12 to 59 months) in the district.

“A total of 4,926 people, including 3,664 volunteers, 697 health workers and 565 family welfare assistants will work at 1,832 outreach centres from 8 am to 4 pm and special steps will be taken at bus stands and other places during the campaign,” he said.

Dr. Kaniz Sabiha said Vitamin A prevents mal-nutritional diseases of children like night blindness, bitot’s spots and corneal lesions and suggested for continuation of Vitamin A Plus supplementation for under-five children.

Dr. Irfan Ali sought media cooperation in making the campaign successful by creating awareness among people about nutritional aspects of Vitamin A that increases disease resistant capacities of under-five children.

BSS/MI/MMA/2135hrs