The Wonders of Vitamin A
Stories from healthcare workers on how Vitamin A supplements are saving young lives in Houaphanh province.
For a child to grow up healthy and strong, it is essential that they receive all the necessary nutrients, including vitamins. However, many children suffer from vitamin deficiencies, also in Lao PDR.
In the remote and historical district of Viengxay, located in Lao PDR’s Houaphanh province, a local hospital stands as a beacon of hope in addressing this challenge. Through its Vitamin A supplementation programme, Viengxay District Hospital is helping address Vitamin A deficiency among children.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good health as it boosts the immune system protecting against infections, which can help prevent child deaths. Indeed, a deficiency in Vitamin A is in fact a major contributor to deaths from diarrhea and measles. Furthermore, Vitamin A supplementation also supports good eyesight, particularly night vision, and helps to prevent child blindness.
And at Viengxay district hospital, nurse Phouangvanh Sivongkham stands as a firsthand witness to the importance of Vitamin A.
Phouangvanh has been working at Viengxay District Hospital for the past eight years in the Well Child Ward and has been part of the team managing its Vitamin A supplementation programme.
Throughout her time working there she has met some children who suffered night blindness, likely caused by Vitamin A deficiency. In May 2024, the hospital was provided with Vitamin A supplements which were distributed to children under five years of age across 15 villages. After giving these Vitamin A supplements to the aforementioned children, they saw an immediate improvement to their vision.
“Without Vitamin A supplements provided to our district, this would not have been possible”, she added.
“I saw firsthand the wonders Vitamin A did for our children.”
Further up north from Viengxay district hospital is Houaphanh’s provincial hospital, where another nurse shared her story of resilience and hope. Having worked in the Neonatal Curative Care Unit for 12 years, Ni Bounmyxay is also a firsthand witness of the critical role Vitamin A plays in saving young lives.
“Vitamin A supplements is not only vital as a preventive measure but also a vital treatment for children with measles. I’ve seen children’s health improve dramatically after receiving it as part of their care,” explained Ni.
“Without Vitamin A, many children would face prolonged illnesses or worse. I can’t imagine how we would run our services without it.”
Ni dreams of a day when every child in Lao PDR has access to comprehensive healthcare. “It’s a small but vital step toward a healthier future for our country,” she reflected.
The Vitamin A supplementation programme in Lao PDR is made possible through the generous and consistent support of the Government of Canada, under which Vitamin A supplements are provided for children under five years of age across the country.
Through this important partnership, nurses like Phouangvanh and Ni are also empowered to deliver life-saving care, even in the remotest areas of Lao PDR so no child is left behind.
