Over 2.30cr children to be given vitamin 'A' plus capsule

The Vitamin A plus campaign began across the country today, aiming to feed vitamin A plus capsules to more than 2.30 crore children aged 6-59 months.

The capsules will be given at all the EPI vaccination centres, community clinics, and other healthcare centres of the country from 8:00am to 4:00pm till Friday.

Blue-coloured vitamin A capsules will be given to some 27 lakh children aged 6-11 months, while the red-coloured ones will be given to the rest of the children aged 11-59 months.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque inaugurated the campaign at a discussion held at the NIPSOM auditorium at Mohakhali in Dhaka.

The Secretary of the Health Services Division Jahangir Alam presided over the meeting.

Highlighting the significance of Vitamin A Plus capsules, the health minister said these are safe and have immense benefits.

They not only combat vitamin deficiency but also contribute to eye health, immune system strengthening, and overall growth. The campaign is crucial in reducing child mortality by 24 percent, particularly from diseases like diarrhoea, pneumonia, and anemia, he said.

The minister also urged parents to ensure their children take the capsules.