Vitamin A supplementation among children in the slums of Dehradun

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient, that supports the immune system and it aids in the maintenance of the body’s epithelial tissue. Insufficient intake of vitamin A increases a child's risk of illness and is the main cause of preventable blindness in children. Due to a weakened immune system, slower growth and development, and visual abnormalities such as xerophthalmia, total blindness, and night blindness, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) increases morbidity and mortality. Providing two doses of vitamin A to children between six months and five years each year helps lower the morbidity and mortality of children affected by vitamin A deficiency. The study was conducted in the 5 slums of Dehradun viz. Khurbura, Azaad Colony, Bindal Basti, Idgah Prakash Nagar, and New Patel Nagar. A total of 1500 children (boys 805, girls 695) aged 6 months to 5 years were covered in the study and supplemented with the first dose of Vitamin A.