National Institute of Nutrition inspects vitamin A supplementation campaign in Dong Nai

On December 1, a working delegation from the National Institute of Nutrition (Ministry of Health), led by Associate Professor Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, inspected the organization of the second round of the Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign in Dong Nai Province.

Parents learn about the benefits of vitamin A for young children. Photo: Hanh Dung

According to MSc Tran Ngoc Quang, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 199,000 children aged 6 to under 36 months across the province are eligible to receive vitamin A in this round. In addition, high-risk groups for vitamin A deficiency, including children and individuals with measles, as well as children aged 0 to 72 months with severe acute malnutrition and those aged 6 to 60 months suffering from prolonged diarrhea or acute respiratory infections, are also being provided with vitamin A during this campaign.

The delegation from the National Institute of Nutrition inspects the Vitamin A supplementation point at Xuan Truong Health Station, Xuan Loc Commune. Photo: Hanh Dung

Children aged 6 to under 12 months receive a dose of 100,000 international units, while those aged 12 to under 60 months receive a dose of 200,000 international units.

Children aged 6 to under 12 months receive a single dose of 100,000 international units of vitamin A, while those aged 12 to under 60 months receive a 200,000-unit dose. The Dong Nai health sector is striving to ensure that more than 98% of children in the eligible age group receive vitamin A. Additional supplementation sessions will be held to provide 100% coverage.

At the Xuan Truong Health Station (Xuan Loc Commune), the working delegation from the National Institute of Nutrition observed that as early as 7 a.m., a large number of parents with children aged 6 to 36 months had arrived to provide personal information, have their children weighed and measured, undergo general health checks, and receive vitamin A.

Healthcare workers administer vitamin A to children. Photo: Hanh Dung

Parents bringing their children to vitamin A supplementation sites also receive guidance and counseling on how to ensure adequate intake of essential micronutrients to support their children's development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, concludes the inspection. Photo: Hanh Dung

Concluding the inspection, Assoc. Prof. Dr Tran Thanh Duong reckons that Dong Nai has made thorough preparations for the second round of the Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign.

At the Xuan Truong Health Station, the supplementation site was well-prepared, with clearly maintained records and beneficiary lists. Healthcare staff and collaborators demonstrated proficiency in administering vitamin A, ensuring that no residue remained in the capsule after use. Screening examinations and nutritional counseling for parents were carried out in a systematic and organized manner.

Associate Professor Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, commended Dong Nai for its thorough preparation for the second phase of the vitamin A supplementation campaign. He recommended that in the coming period, the Dong Nai Department of Health and the Dong Nai Center for Disease Control continue to prioritize nutrition-related activities, particularly for pregnant women and children. He emphasized the importance of providing nutrition care across the life cycle, closely monitoring the nutritional status of children, especially those with illnesses, and strengthening community-based nutrition education and communication to prevent both malnutrition and childhood overweight and obesity.

By Hanh Dung – Translated by Trieu Ngan, Minho