65,432 babies to receive Vitamin A capsules in Rajshahi city
Rajshahi, 26th May, 2024 (BSS) – A total of 65,432 babies will be given Vitamin A capsules in Rajshahi city during the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign 2024 scheduled to be held on 1st June.
Of these, 8,868 infants aged 6-11 months will receive one blue “A” capsule, and 56,564 infants aged 12-59 months will receive one red capsule.
The Rajshahi Municipal Corporation (RCC) disclosed this at an advocacy and planning meeting held at Bhaban Conference Hall in the city ahead of the campaign today.
RCC Chief Executive Officer Dr ABM Sharif Uddin addressed the meeting as the chief guest under the chairmanship of District Councillor Towhidul Haq Suman.
Other speakers included Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr Abul Kalam Azad and Medical Officer Dr Tamanna Kabir.
In her keynote address, RCC Chief Health Officer Dr Anjuman Ara Begum said Vitamin A supplements are essential for the normal functioning of the visual system, maintaining cellular function for growth, production of red blood cells, immunity and reproduction.
Supplementation is also important to significantly reduce mortality from diarrhea and measles.
Moreover, a successful campaign could prevent and treat various problems such as vision loss and night blindness, Dr Anjuman Ara said, adding that Vitamin A Plus supplements help reduce the severity and duration of pneumonia and diarrhoea-related illnesses.
She cited WHO guidelines saying children should start taking vitamin A supplements from the age of six months.
She also said the programme will be implemented at 384 centres, including 343 permanent and 41 mobile centres across the city. Around 768 health workers will be stationed at the centres to ensure proper administration of the capsules.
