Nepal Launches Nationwide Vitamin A and Deworming Campaign for Children | Ratopati

Kathmandu. A nationwide campaign to administer Vitamin ‘A’ and deworming medication to children is underway today and tomorrow. Under the National Vitamin ‘A’ program, children aged 6 months to 5 years are being provided with Vitamin ‘A’, while those aged 1 to 5 years are receiving deworming medication. The Department of Health Services stated that children under 5 who missed their routine vaccinations will also be immunized during this period.

To reduce health complications and the risk of malnutrition in children, the government has been conducting the National Vitamin ‘A’ program since 2050. The deworming medication program was initiated in 2056.

Vitamin ‘A’ deficiency can lead to issues such as impaired growth and development, night blindness, malnutrition, chronic illness, and a weakened immune system. Recent studies indicate that 11 percent of children under five suffer from Vitamin ‘A’ deficiency.

‘This remains a moderate public health issue. Children still suffer from Vitamin ‘A’ deficiency in their blood,’ says Thapa, ‘It appears that children are consuming fewer sources of Vitamin ‘A’.’

Beets, leafy greens, broccoli, whole grains, cheese, nuts, butter, carrots, peppers, dairy products, kidney beans, mutton, mangoes, spinach, peas, pumpkin, red chili, seafood, turnips, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, corn kernels, and yellow or orange fruits are sources of Vitamin ‘A’.

Vitamin ‘A’ helps strengthen bones, heal wounds, boost the immune system, and keep skin healthy. Additionally, it converts food into energy and keeps cells healthy. This program is conducted nationwide in two phases every year: the first phase on Kartik 2 and 3, and the second phase on Baisakh 6 and 7.