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PESHAWAR, (MANEND NEWS): Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) workshop for District Focal Persons (DFPs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was conducted on 22 December 2022 at Shelton Rezidor Hotel, Peshawar by Nutrition International in collaboration with the Provincial Health Department KP, National and Provincial Emergency Operation Cell & Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) KP. 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, proper documentation of Vitamin A; and how to improve vitamin A coverage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the upcoming NIDs.
Addressing the participants in opening remarks, Dr. Faward Ali, Health officer, PEOC talked about the importance of Vitamin A and its role related to diseases like diarrhea, pneumonia and measles. He appreciated the role of Nutrition International (NI) in organizing DFPs orientation workshop. Furthermore he stated that Government of KP is committed to improve Vitamin A supplementation situation through the upcoming January NIDs campaign and he emphasized on the role of all stakeholders.
Mr. Shehzad Afzal, National Program Manager, Nutrition International referred to the statistics of NNS 2018 which indicates 54.9 % children under 5 in KP are vitamin A deficient whereas 51.5% children under 5 years age at national level are vitamin A deficient which is an alarming situation and needs serious attention. DFPS are the backbone of the VAS program in KP and can play their effective role in improving the situation that would contribute in reducing morbidity and motility under 5 children.
Mr. Yasin, 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 is reduced by 23% through VAS supplementation, she stated. Vitamin A deficiency results in night blindness. There is well established scientific basis for the treatment of measles with vitamin A
Mr. Zeeshan Amin Deputy Coordinator PEOC concluded the session and highlighted the Role of DFPs for Vitamin A Supplementation in Pakistan. 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%.