More than 6 million Vietnamese children will be supplemented with vitamin A.

The Ministry of Health will organize the first Vitamin A supplementation campaign for children starting on International Children's Day, June 1, 2024, which is also Micronutrient Day. It is expected that 6 million children nationwide will benefit from this program.

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According to the Ministry of Health, the Campaign will be organized nationwide, including vitamin A supplementation for children from 6 months to 59 months old in 31 provinces and cities where child malnutrition rates remain high; vitamin A supplementation for children from 6 months to 35 months old in the remaining 32 provinces and cities; combined with deworming for children from 24 months to 59 months old in 22 disadvantaged provinces and cities.

The source of medicine used in the campaign is donated by Vitamin Angel - USA. In the first phase of the campaign, it is expected that more than 6 million children nationwide will receive vitamin A supplements.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen gives vitamin A to children at Hop Phong Commune Health Station, Cao Phong District, Hoa Binh Province on June 1, 2024. (Photo: moh.gov.vn)

On the occasion of Micronutrient Day June 1 - June 2, the Ministry of Health recommends that all levels and sectors continue to join hands with the health sector to propagate and mobilize people to implement measures to prevent and combat malnutrition in mothers and children such as strengthening household food security, improving meal quality, using a variety of foods, combining many types of food for daily meals, and prioritizing the selection and use of foods rich in micronutrients.

For young children, it is necessary to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months, and to provide solid foods that ensure adequate nutrition and are age-appropriate. Pregnant mothers and malnourished children under 5 years old need to be supplemented with micronutrient-fortified products daily.

Vitamin A plays an important role in the health and comprehensive development of children. Every year, the Ministry of Health organizes a campaign to supplement high-dose vitamin A for more than 6 million children aged 6-59 months nationwide (there are 2 rounds each year: round 1 in June; and round 2 in December).

In these campaigns, children of this age were given high-dose vitamin A capsules. Over the years, vitamin A supplementation campaigns have helped Vietnam eliminate blindness due to vitamin A deficiency in 2000.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/hon-6-trieu-tre-em-viet-nam-se-duoc-bo-sung-vitamin-a-200654.html