Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 11, 2025 (BSS) - Experts at a city level advocacy meeting here have urged all the officials and others concerned to make the forthcoming March 15 National vitamin 'A' plus campaign-2025 a total success to address vitamin deficiency disorders and syndromes among babies.
 
They 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 death rate caused by diarrhea and measles, they said unequivocally.
 
Besides, various problems including, eyesight and night blindness, could be prevented and cured through successful implementation of the campaign, they added.

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) organised the advocacy and planning meeting in association with Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) and World Health Organization (WHO) at its conference hall ahead of the campaign today (Tuesday). 

Commissioner of Rajshahi division and RCC Administrator Khandaker addressed the meeting as chief guest with RCC Chief Executive Officer Dr ABM Sharif Uddin in the chair.

Divisional Director of Health Dr Habibur Rahman, Civil Surgeon Dr Raziun Karim, Divisional Director of the Department of Family Planning Dr Kustary Amina Queen and RCC Superintending Engineer Ahmed Al Muin also spoke on the occasion.
 
In her keynote presentation, RCC Chief Health Officer Dr AFM Anjuman Ara Begum said the vitamin 'A' plus supplement is helpful for reducing the severity and duration of illnesses associated with pneumonia and diarrhea.
 
Referring to the WHO guideline, he said children should begin vitamin 'A' supplement at the age of six months.
 
Around 8,715 children aged between six months and 11 months will be given blue-coloured capsule of high-powered Vitamin A and 57,905 children aged between one year and five will be given red-coloured capsule of high-powered Vitamin A.

In the city, the campaign will be conducted in 384 centres by 768 volunteers from 8 am to 4 pm.