Progress of vitamin A deficiency control program in Vietnam

Update: 5/9/2012 - View: 12706
Vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia are one of the major nutritional deficiencies in Vietnam. The national prevalence survey conducted in 1985-88 showed that prevalence of severe xerophthalmia (X2/X3) was seven times higher than the cut-off point established by the WHO for public health problem. From the result of this survey, Government of Vietnam has launched a program to control Vitamin A deficiency. This program started in 7 pilot districts in 1988 and gradually expanded to all of the communes in the country in 1993. To ensure the effective implementation, an implementation network has been set up from commune to central levels by a strong preventive health structure with the actively participation of mass organizations like Women Union, Education sectors... A comprehensive strategy has been developed including nutrition education; Universal distribution of Vitamin A capsules to target children in combination with NIDs and lactating mothers in community; Promotion of production and consumption of Vitamin A-rich foods at household level through family VAC (Gardening- Fish culture - Animal husbandry). The national survey conducted in 1994 showed that prevalence of clinical xerophthalmia is lower than the criteria of the WHO of a significant public health problem in preschool children. Applying appropriate strategies which are closely integrated with primary health care activities, mobilizing successfully community involvement and implementing effectively the monitoring and supervising network are major factors that lead to the current achievement of Vitamin A program in Vietnam. We are ongoing to combine different strategies to maintain the success and further sustainable achievements.
                                                                                                        Ha Huy Khoi et al.

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