Experts in a function have said providing Vitamin A Plus Capsule to under-five children is crucial to increase their disease resistant capacity for normal growth, prevent night blindness and many other ailments.
They made the observation at the inaugural ceremony of the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign 18 June-2023 at City Bhaban premises.
The campaign is being conducted under the auspices of the Public Health and Nutrition Institute and National Nutrition Services under the Ministry of Health and Family Planning.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md. Habibur Rahman launched the campaign by administering Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Capsules to some under five babies as the chief guest.
Panel Mayor-1 of Rangpur Md Mahbubar Rahman Monju presided over the function.
Divisional Director (Health) Dr ABM Abu Hanif, Deputy Commissioner Dr Chitralekha Nazneen, Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Kabir, Secretary of Rangpur City Corporation Ummey Fatima, its Executive Magistrate Mahmudul Hassan Mridha and Chief Health Officer Dr Md Kamruzzaman Ibn Taj were present.
Dr Kamruzzaman narrated the importance of continuation of Vitamin A supplementation for the under-five babies to strengthen their immune system and disease resistance capacity for their healthier growth.
“Some 594 health workers and volunteers under supervision of 44 supervisors are expected to provide Vitamin A Plus capsules to 1,29,500 under-five babies at 297 outreach centers in all 33 wards of the city from 8 am to 4 pm today,” he said.
The Civil Surgeon said 3,60,295 under five children (6 to 59 months) are expected to be brought under the campaign in all eight upazilas and three municipalities except Rangpur city of the district today.
Some 4,547 volunteers, health workers and family welfare assistants are working at 1,831 outreach centres in the district except Rangpur city. Steps have been taken at bus stands, hats, bazaars and other places during the campaign.
“Vitamin A Plus Capsule has no side effects in general and asked parents not to become afraid and contact the health officials concerned if their babies would show vomiting tendency after taking the capsules,” he said.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha