Drops of Life - Vitamin A Supplementation for Child Survival
Progress and lessons learned in West and Central Africa
This report takes stock of Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) in the context of child survival programming in West and Central Africa, with a particular focus on large-scale, preventive VAS programs for children 6-59 months old. It examines progress, challenges, and lessons learned in VAS programming for child survival (2001- 2006) and identifies opportunities for improved policy formulation and program implementation to maximize the contribution of VAS to child survival.
The report concludes that among the many challenges that countries in West and Central Africa will need to face in the coming years, the control of vitamin A deficiency is one that can be overcome. Large-scale preventive VAS has the promise to be among the most cost-effective and high-impact interventions towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal for the reduction of child mortality. The need is urgent, and the solutions are known, effective, and affordable.
Download the report [pdf - 796 Ko]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Executive Summary
- Vitamin A, nutrition and child survival in West and Central Africa
- Objectives and methods
- Coverage and protection
- Policies and programs
- Conclusion
- References
