RAJSHAHI, Dec 7, 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 (Tuesday).

 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 while addressing a press conference held at the City Bhaban conference hall ahead of the campaign today.

 They sought cooperation of the journalists to make the campaign a total success to address vitamin deficiency disorders and syndromes among babies.

 RCC organized the press conference in association with Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare discussing and devising ways and means on how to make the campaign successful.

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, she said.

 Besides, various problems including eyesight and night blindness could be prevented and cured through successful implementation of the campaign, Dr Begum 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.

 Dr Anjuman Ara said the programme will be conducted from 8 am to 4 pm without any break in 384 centers in the city. However, the centres located in the ward councilor offices will remain open from 8am to 8pm

 Some 768 health workers will remain posted in the centers for administering the capsules properly. Earlier, they were imparted training for making the campaign successful.

Apart from the permanent centres, there will be 43 mobile centres for the vitamin campaign.

Executive Magistrate Sadia Afreen, Veterinary Surgeon Dr Farhad Uddin and Food and Sanitary Officer Sheikh Ariful Haque were present at the press conference.