RAJSHAHI, Dec 5, 2023 (BSS) - A total of 65,205 babies will be fed vitamin
'A' capsules in Rajshahi city during the forthcoming National Vitamin 'A'
Plus Campaign-2023 scheduled to be held on December 12.

Of those, 8,910 babies aged between six to 11 months will be administered one
blue-coloured 'A' capsule each while another 56,295 babies from 12 to 59
months will be administered one red-coloured capsule.

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) authority revealed this in an advocacy and
planning meeting held at the city bhaban conference hall ahead of the
campaign yesterday.

Divisional Director of Health Dr Anwarul Kabir and Civil Surgeon Dr Abu
Sayeed Muhammad Faruque addressed the meeting as chief and special guests
respectively with RCC Panel Mayor Nizam Ul Azim in the chair.

RCC Secretary Mobarak Hossain, deputy regional director of Bangladesh Betar
Monirul Hassan, Deputy Director of the Department of Family Planning Dr
Kustary Amina Queen and Child Specialist Dr Ali Mustafiz also spoke on the
occasion.

During her keynote presentation, RCC Chief Health Officer Dr Anjuman Ara
Begum said vitamin 'A' supplement is essential for the normal functioning of
the visual system, maintenance of cell function for growth, red blood cell
production, immunity and reproduction.

The supplementation is also important for substantial reduction of the death
rate caused by diarrhea and measles.

Besides, various problems including eyesight and night blindness could be
prevented and cured through successful implementation of the campaign, Dr Dr
Anjuman Ara said, adding that the vitamin 'A' plus supplement is helpful for
reducing the severity and duration of illnesses associated with pneumonia and
diarrhea.

Referring to the WHO guidelines, she said children should begin vitamin 'A'
supplement at the age of six months.
 
She also said the programme will be conducted in 384 centres including 343
permanent and 41 mobile ones in the city. Some 768 health workers will remain
appointed in the centres for administering the capsules properly.