Training Workshop On Vitamin A Supplementation For DFPs
Muhammad Irfan Published November 20, 2019 | 06:43 PM
The Nutrition International in collaboration with KP Health Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized training workshop on Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) for District Focal Persons (DFPs) here Wednesday
The objective of the training was to sensitize district focal persons on the importance of vitamin A in human life, role of DFPs in VAS campaign and how to improve vitamin A coverage in KP during national immunization drives (NIDs).
Mr. Shehzad Afzal, National Program Manager for child Survival and Development, Nutrition International referred to the statistics of NNS 2011 which indicates approximately 68% children under 5 in KP were vitamin A deficient whereas 54% children under 5 at national level were vitamin A deficient which was an alarming situation and needed a serious attention.
DFPs were the backbone of the VAS program in the province and could play their effective role in improving the situation that would contribute in reducing morbidity and motility in children under five year.
Mr. Imtiaz Ali Shah Provincial Coordinator Nutrition International Khyber Pakhtunkhwa thanked Department of Health for ensuring full participation from all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and merged Districts, he briefed objectives and importance of Vitamin A workshop before NID after every six months.
Mr. M. Yasin, National Program Coordinator, Nutrition International gave presentations on importance of Vitamin A and its effects of its deficiency on human body.
Role of enhancing Immunity by Vitamin A in measles outbreak also came under discussion.Trainers stated that "antioxidants like Vitamin A are also responsible for regulating gene regulation, maintaining healthy clear skin, facilitating cell differentiation, and supporting immune function".
Some of the best sources of Vitamin A include eggs, milk, liver, carrots, yellow or orange vegetables such as squash, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables. Mortality among children 6-59 months was reduced by 23% through VAS supplementation, he stated. Vitamin A deficiency results in night blindness. There was well established scientific basis for the treatment of measles with vitamin A Dr. Taimur Shah, Director EPI, KP emphasized the role of DFPs Pre, during and Post campaign of NIDs. He also emphasized to prepare proper micro plans including the targets of Vitamin A; proper distribution plan for VACs, based on targets; Quality of trainings needs improvement, proper time should be allocated to Vitamin A during pre NIDs trainings; Social mobilization activities for NIDs should include Vitamin A; Vitamin A should be part of NIDS inauguration ceremony and walks.
Vitamin A logistic guidelines along with the tools were also discussed with the DFPs. She also appreciated the efforts of NI. Vitamin A deficiency leads to co-infection like pneumonia, measles, diarrhea and polio.
Dr. Saleem, Director EPI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa concluded the session & highlighted the Role of Nutrition International for Vitamin A Supplementation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said "Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and prevents body against diseases". He stressed that VAS coverage in all districts should be more than 95%.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Health
-
Vaccines save at least 154 million lives in 50 years: WHO
3 days ago -
UHS to issue MBBS degrees within three months after final result
3 days ago -
Rawalpindi woman gives birth to six babies
8 days ago -
DC calls for intensive anti-polio drive in ICT
9 days ago -
World Hemophilia Day observed to underscore importance of providing comprehensive care
9 days ago -
Six in a family with heart on the 'right side'
9 days ago
-
Diabetic disease increasing rapidly : Dr. Noor Elahi Memon
9 days ago -
World Hemophilia Day observed
10 days ago -
ATC dismisses bail petition of doctor involved in illegal kidneys transplant
17 days ago -
Dr. Shehzad warns against deviation from WHO guidelines on anti-smoking
18 days ago -
Health activists express concerns over attempts to derail tobacco control
20 days ago -
UHS declares MBBS first prof, MS urology exam results
29 days ago