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Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme

The Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme in India, launched in 1970, aims to combat vitamin A deficiency in children under five, reducing nutritional blindness and improving immune function. The program provides high-dose vitamin A supplementation, with a schedule of doses starting at 9 months and continuing every six months until age five. While it has achieved significant reductions in nutritional blindness and child mortality, challenges such as logistical issues and awareness gaps remain.

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370 views6 pages

Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme

The Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme in India, launched in 1970, aims to combat vitamin A deficiency in children under five, reducing nutritional blindness and improving immune function. The program provides high-dose vitamin A supplementation, with a schedule of doses starting at 9 months and continuing every six months until age five. While it has achieved significant reductions in nutritional blindness and child mortality, challenges such as logistical issues and awareness gaps remain.

Uploaded by

pugazhchaaru
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme

Introduction

Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health concern in India, leading to nutritional blindness and increased susceptibility to infections in
children. To combat this, the Government of India launched the National Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme in 1970. The programme aims to
reduce the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among children under the age of five

Objectives of the Programme

1. Prevent Nutritional Blindness – Reduce the incidence of xerophthalmia and night blindness.

2. Improve Immune Function – Enhance resistance to infections and reduce child mortality.
3. Promote Awareness – Educate communities on the importance of vitamin A through health campaigns.

Target Group

- Initially targeted children aged 1-5 year.

- Revised in 1992 to cover children 9 months to 3 years.

- Expanded further in 2006 to include all children up to 5 years.

Dosage Schedule

The programme provides high-dose vitamin A supplementation as per the following schedule:
1. First Dose: 100,000 IU at 9 months of age (along with the measles vaccine).

2. Subsequent Doses: 200,000 IU every 6 months up to 5 years (total of 9 doses).

Implementation Strategies

1. Integration with Immunization Programmes – Administered alongside routine immunization to improve coverage.

2. Anganwadi and Health Centers – Distribution through primary healthcare centers and Anganwadi workers.

3. Mass Awareness Campaigns – Conducting information sessions in rural and urban areas.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation – Regular assessment to ensure effective distribution and uptake.
Achievements and Challenges

Achievements:

- Significant reduction in cases of nutritional blindness.

- Decline in child mortality rates due to improved immunity.

Challenges:

- Logistical Issues – Ensuring timely distribution in remote areas.

- Awareness Gaps – Educating caregivers about the importance of vitamin A.

- Compliance – Encouraging families to complete the full dosage schedule.


Conclusion

The Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme has played a crucial role in reducing vitamin A deficiency in India. However, continued efforts in
awareness, distribution, and monitoring are essential to sustain the progress and further improve child health outcomes.

References

1. Park, K. (2021). *Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine*. Banarasidas Bhanot Publishers.

2. National Health Mission, Government of India. (n.d.). *Vitamin A Supplementation Programme*. Retrieved from [https://nhm.gov.in](https://
nhm.gov.in)

3. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). *Guidelines on Vitamin A Supplementation*. Retri

eved from [https://www.who.int](https://www.who.int)

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