4. Vitamin A deficiency: virtual elimination by the year 2000

Progress made: A notable success. Increasing vitamin A supplementation. Between 1998 and 2000, one million child deaths may have been prevented through supplementation

In 1996, 11 countries had achieved a supplementation rate of 70% or higher for one high dose.

By 1999, 43 countries had achieved 70% coverage or more of at least one does per child.

Vitamin A supplementation began in earnest in the mid-1990s. Coverage is highest in countries where it is most needed. The challenge remains to reach all children deficient in Vitamin A twice annually.