3 lakh N’ganj children to get Vitamin A Plus Capsules

A total of 335,198 children in Narayanganj district will receive Vitamin A capsules under the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign scheduled for June 28 (Sunday).

To implement the program across the district’s five upazilas, excluding the areas under Narayanganj City Corporation, 1,056 permanent and temporary centers have been set up.

The information was disclosed by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abul Fazal Muhammad Mashiur Rahman at a press conference held at the Civil Surgeon’s Office on Thursday morning (June 25).

Seeking support from media professionals to ensure the campaign’s success, Dr. Mashiur Rahman said the nationwide initiative aims to reduce malnutrition and child mortality caused by Vitamin A deficiency.

Under the campaign, 41,692 children aged between 6 and 11 months will receive one blue Vitamin A capsule containing 100,000 IU, while 293,506 children aged between 12 and 59 months will receive one red Vitamin A capsule containing 200,000 IU.

He emphasised that Vitamin A capsules are completely safe and carry no significant risk of side effects.

Parents are therefore encouraged to take their children to the nearest vaccination center on the designated day to receive the capsules.

Dr. Mashiur Rahman further said that each center will be staffed by three personnel, including health and family planning workers, teachers, and volunteers.

Advocacy, orientation, and planning meetings have already been completed at both the district and upazila levels, while volunteer training programs are currently underway at the ward level.

To raise public awareness, the Health Department is conducting loudspeaker announcements, door-to-door campaigns, and various awareness activities through the District Information Office.

National-level publicity efforts are also continuing through television, newspapers, and mobile phone messaging services.

He added that relevant government and private organizations have been requested to ensure employee participation in the campaign.

Through the Islamic Foundation, initiatives have also been taken to inform worshippers about the campaign before Friday prayers and at other times in mosques across the district.

Additionally, special medical teams have been formed at Narayanganj 300-Bed Hospital, Narayanganj General (Victoria) Hospital, and all upazila hospitals in the district to respond to any emergencies during the campaign.