Varanasi: The Vitamin-A Supplementation and Iron Folic Acid (IFA) distribution campaign was officially launched on Wednesday by Chief Medical Officer Dr D. Mukesh Kumar at the Anganwadi Centre in Nawabganj. During the launch, Dr Kumar personally administered Vitamin-A doses and IFA syrup to children, marking the beginning of a month-long initiative aimed at covering 3,92,921 children across the district with Vitamin-A supplementation.
Importance of Vitamin-A for Children
Dr Mukesh Kumar highlighted that Vitamin-A plays a crucial role in the physical and mental development of children. It strengthens the immune system and helps maintain healthy eyesight. He warned that a deficiency of Vitamin-A increases the risk of infections and several other health complications among children. The CMO urged parents and guardians to ensure that all eligible children are brought to designated session sites to receive the Vitamin-A dose.
Integrated IFA Distribution
Alongside Vitamin-A supplementation, Iron Folic Acid (IFA) syrup will also be distributed to children aged between six months and 59 months. This initiative aims to prevent anaemia among children and support their healthy growth and development. Dr Kumar emphasized that the combined effort would address both micronutrient deficiencies effectively.
Preparations and Implementation
District Immunization Officer Dr S.S. Kannaujia confirmed that sufficient stocks of Vitamin-A and IFA syrup have been made available at all health facilities and sub-centres across the district to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign. He informed that Health department teams, with the support of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, will actively reach out to eligible beneficiaries and provide services during the campaign period. Dr Kannaujia described the Vitamin-A supplementation and IFA distribution drive as an important public health initiative aimed at protecting children from malnutrition and anaemia.
Appeal to Parents
Dr Kannaujia appealed to parents to take their children to the nearest immunization and health session sites on the scheduled dates and actively participate in the campaign. He stressed that community cooperation would play a key role in achieving the campaign’s objectives and ensuring better health outcomes for children across the district. The campaign is expected to significantly reduce the prevalence of Vitamin-A deficiency and anaemia among young children in Varanasi.
