Vitamin-A supplementation drive to cover 3.9L kids in Kashi

Varanasi: In accordance with directives issued by the National Health Mission and the Family Welfare Department, Uttar Pradesh, a district-wide Vitamin-A Supplementation Campaign will commence on Wednesday. Under the campaign, the Health Department has set a target of administering Vitamin-A doses to 3,92,921 children in the age group of 9 months to 5 years. Iron Folic Acid (IFA) syrup will also be distributed to children aged between 6 months and 59 months.

Chief medical officer Dr Mukesh Kumar said that Vitamin-A is a vital nutrient for children’s eyesight, immunity and overall physical development. He noted that deficiency of the vitamin increases the risk of infections and other health complications among children.

Appealing to parents and guardians, the CMO urged them to take their children to the nearest health centre or designated session site and ensure that they receive the prescribed Vitamin-A dose during the campaign.

District immunization officer Dr SS Kannaujia said that IFA syrup would be distributed alongside the Vitamin-A supplementation drive to help prevent anaemia among children. He explained that iron deficiency adversely affects both physical and mental development and that regular consumption of IFA syrup can significantly reduce the prevalence of anaemia.

He added that adequate stocks of medicines and logistical arrangements have been ensured at all CHCs, PHCs and sub-centres across the district. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers have also been provided with necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the campaign.

District health education and information officer Harivansh Yadav said that extensive awareness activities are being conducted to publicise the campaign. In both rural and urban areas, health workers are reaching out to families through door-to-door visits to educate them about the importance of Vitamin-A supplementation and anaemia prevention.

He stressed that active participation of parents and guardians is crucial for ensuring a healthy and malnutrition-free childhood. He appealed to all families to ensure that eligible children receive both the Vitamin-A dose and IFA syrup on the designated dates, helping them move towards a healthier, safer and more empowered future.