Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 23, 2026 (BSS) - A target of feeding Vitamin ‘A’ capsules to 3,03,117 children in Rajshahi district has been set for the National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign to be held on June 28. 

This includes 33,648 children aged 6 to 11 months and 269,469 children aged 12 to 59 months.
 
The information was shared today at a district advocacy and planning meeting for the National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign-2026, held in the conference room of the Rajshahi District Civil Surgeon’s Office. A press conference was held at the same venue after the meeting.
 
During the meeting, it was announced that children will be given Vitamin ‘A’ capsules from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on June 28 at various centers across the district. 

To implement the program, a total of 1,788 centers have been prepared — 10 permanent centers at each upazila health complex and 1,778 temporary centers under the EPI program. 

A total of 3,576 volunteers will work on the ground for this initiative.
 
The meeting was chaired by Rajshahi District Civil Surgeon Dr. S. I. M. Rajiul Karim. Special guests included Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, Police Superintendent Naimul Hasan, and Deputy Director of the Department of Family Planning Abdur Razzak.
 
Speakers said Vitamin ‘A’ capsules play a crucial role in boosting children’s immunity and reducing complications caused due to malnutrition. 

In the past, Vitamin ‘A’ deficiency led to increased incidence of diseases like measles. Thanks to timely government initiatives and effective programs, the situation has improved significantly.
 
They also noted that many parents in remote areas are still not fully aware of the importance of Vitamin ‘A’ capsules compared to those in urban areas. 

Therefore, all relevant departments and offices have been instructed to work together to ensure no child is left out of the program.
 
At the meeting, speakers described the National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign as an important investment in protecting the health of future generations. 
 
At the press conference held afterward, Civil Surgeon Dr. S. I. M. Rajiul Karim said Vitamin ‘A’ capsules are completely safe and strengthen children’s immunity.

 If any child is missed, they will be identified through door-to-door visits if necessary and brought under the program.
 
He explained that the “Plus” in the “Vitamin A Plus” program means not just administering capsules, but also raising awareness among parents about a balanced diet rich in Vitamin ‘A’. 

He urged parents not to be misled by rumors or superstitions and to bring their children to the nearest center. 

He also sought media cooperation for the successful implementation of the program.
 
Officials from various government and non-government offices, representatives of the health department, and other concerned individuals were present at the meeting and press conference.