The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41398

Frances R. Davidson, PhD, G/PHN/HN/CS, USAID - RRB, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Room 3.07-011, Washington, DC 20523-3700, 202-712-0982, fdavidson@usaid.gov

Meta-analysis of vitamin A intervention trials has shown that correcting vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in a deficient population reduces mortality of children 6-59 months by between 23% and 35%. In West Africa alone, PROFILES analysis estimates that 115,000 child deaths per year are attributable to VAD. Distribution of high-dose vitamin A capsules VAC is the most immediate solution to resolving VAD. In other parts of the world, large-scale VAC distribution has been carried out for as long as 30 years. In Africa, until the advent of National Immunization Days (NIDs) for eradication of poliomyelitis, there were no national level programs for mass VAC distribution. NIDs throughout Africa have enabled countries to reach high levels of VAC coverage. It is critical to develop strategies to provide the second annual dose of vitamin A and institutionalize twice-annual VAC distribution until such time as other interventions (food fortification, dietary diversification) provide adequate vitamin A to all those at risk. This presentation will present the global effort for institutionalizing VAC distribution, the particular needs and challenges in Africa and set the stage for the three subsequent presentations that will provide case studies of successful programs in three African countries.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the session participants will be familiar with strategies for sustaining high vitamin A coverage post-NIDs.

Keywords: Public Health Policy, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.