Nasim inaugurates nationwide ‘Vitamin A Plus’ campaign

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim today inaugurated countrywide 'Vitamin A Plus' campaign by feeding several kids Vitamin A capsules and deworming tablets at Shishu Hospital in city's Agargaon area.

While launching the campaign, the minister urged the parents to feed their children Vitamin A capsules and deworming tablets to prevent childhood blindness and reduce child mortality and strengthen immunity system.

"We'll be able to build a beautiful Bangladesh for the next generation if we can make the vaccination programme a success," he added.

Nasim said, "The government will set up pediatric hospitals in all districts gradually to ensure better treatment for children."

State Minister for Health Zahid Malique, Secretary of Health Ministry M Serajul Huq Khan (Health Services Division) and Additional Secretary Roxana Quader were present, among others, at the inaugural function.

Around 22.5 million children, aged between six months and five years, will be fed Vitamin A plus capsules under a national campaign to prevent childhood blindness and reduce child mortality.

Children, aged between six and 11 months, were given the blue-coloured high-powered Vitamin A capsules, while children, aged between 12 and 59 months, received the red-coloured ones.

Some 120,000 permanent health centres and 20,000 mobile centres were be set up at bus stands, railway stations, launch terminals, airports, ferry terminals, bridge toll centres and "kheya ghats" to feed the children Vitamin A capsules from 8 am to 4 pm.

Source: BSS