Evaluation of vitamin A supplementation in Gulshan-e-Sikandarabad.

INTRODUCTION Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) causes blindness of 250,000 to 500,000 children annually, around the world. It also increases the risk of morbidity and mortality due to other diseases. Pakistan is categorized in the 'Severe Sub-Clinical Deficiency' group. A mass supplementation program has been started in 1999. AIM To determine the coverage of vitamin A supplements in children under five years of age, and to assess the incidence of symptoms related to hypervitaminosis A. SETTING Block I-A of Gulshan-e-Sikanderabad. METHODOLOGY A survey was conducted, using the fourth year MBBS students of Ziauddin Medical University (ZMU), under faculty supervision. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to assess coverage and symptoms of toxicity. RESULTS Data was obtained on 489 children. The coverage of polio and vitamin A supplementation was 88% and 74.8%, respectively. In all 15 children (4.4%) experienced symptoms of toxicity related to vitamin A supplementation. CONCLUSION Although vitamin A supplementation can save lives, it is only a short term measure. What is needed is a multi-strategy approach including short and long term strategies.