A total of 64,222 babies will be fed vitamin 'A' capsules in Rajshahi city during the National Vitamin 'A' Plus Campaign-2023 scheduled to be held today (Monday).
Of those, 8,274 babies aged between six to eleven months will be administered one blue-coloured 'A' capsule each, while another 55,948 babies from 12 to 59 months red-coloured capsule.
Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) authorities revealed this at a press conference held at the City Bhaban on Sunday (February 19). They RCC authorities cooperation of the journalists to make the campaign a total success to address vitamin deficiency disorders and syndromes among babies. RCC organized the press conference in association with Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare discussing and devising ways and means on how to make the campaign successful.
RCC Panel Mayor Shariful Islam Babu addressed the media briefing as guest of honour.
During her keynote presentation, RCC Chief Health Officer Dr Anjuman Ara Begum said vitamin 'A' supplement is essential for the normal functioning of the visual system, maintenance of cell function for growth, red blood cell production, immunity and reproduction.
The supplementation is also important for substantial reduction of the death rate caused by diarrhea and measles, she said. Besides, various problems including eyesight and night blindness could be prevented and cured through successful implementation of the campaign, Dr Begum said, adding that the vitamin 'A' plus supplement is helpful for reducing the severity and duration of illnesses associated with pneumonia and diarrhea. Referring to the WHO guidelines, she said children should begin vitamin 'A' supplement at the age of six months.
Dr Anjuman Ara said the programme will be conducted in 384 centers in the city. Some 768 health workers will remain posted in the centers for administering the capsules properly. Earlier, they were imparted training for making the campaign successful.