Vitamin A Supplementation

1. Vitamin A Supplementation MICS3 Data Analysis and Report Writing

2. Background It is estimated that 100-140 million children under five may be affected by vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A is essential for the functioning of the immune system. It reduces their risk of blindness, enhances their chances of survival, and reduces severity of childhood illnesses. Supplementing children aged six months to five years with two high-dose vitamin A capsules a year has been identified as a safe, cost-effective, efficient strategy for ending vitamin A deficiency.

3. International Goals & Targets Virtual elimination of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and its consequences, including blindness

4. Definition of Indicator Numerator: Number of children aged 6-59 months receiving at least one high dose vitamin A supplement in the 6 months prior to the survey Denominator: Number of children aged 6-59 months surveyed Vitamin A Supplementation Coverage Rate % children aged 6-59 months receiving at least one high dose vitamin A supplement in the last 6 months

5. Methodological Issues • Survey data tend to be underreported • Possible reasons: • - Timing: data collection precedes campaign • - Recall error • - Mothers’ don’t know if infant received supplement • - Not recorded on child health card • Proxy measure of recommended 2 doses per year

6. Table NU.6: Vitamin A Supplementation Tabulation Plan

7. Regional Data

8. Vitamin A Supplementation (CEE/CIS) Vitamin A Supplementation Coverage Rate Uzbekistan = 93% (2003)

9. Vitamin A Supplementation (ROSA)

10. Vitamin A Supplementation (TACRO)

11. Vitamin A Supplementation (MENA) Vitamin A Supplementation Coverage Rate Djibouti = 75% (2003) Sudan = 34% (2003) Yemen = 36% (2003)

12. Vitamin A Supplementation (EAPRO)

13. Vitamin A Supplementation (ESARO)

14. Vitamin A Supplementation (WCARO)