HKI Implements an Integrated Strategy to Fight Vitamin A Deficiency in Cameroon

Yaounde, Cameroon January 30, 2007 –In January, Cameroon’s Ministry of Health launched an integrated and comprehensive campaign to combat the health threats of measles, malaria and vitamin A deficiency (VAD). In the past, Cameroon distributed vitamin A capsules during National Immunization Days to fight polio (NIDs), but since the NIDS are being phased out, the country must implement other approaches to address the problem. One strategy is integrating vitamin A supplementation into campaigns that provide measles vaccinations or distribute insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria.

Studies in Cameroon indicate that 38.8% of the population is at risk of vitamin A deficiency, and more than 45% of children under two are at risk. Designed to reach of children ages 9-59 months, the campaign was implemented in seven of the ten provinces of the country, including Center, Littoral, East, North West, West, South and the South West. Over 2.6 million children received vitamin A capsules representing a coverage rate of 91%. In the Far North Province, vitamin A capsules were distributed during their local Immunizations Days to fight polio at the beginning of January, reaching 887,669 children ages 6-59 months.

Last year, through a combination of strategies, such as integrating vitamin A supplementation (VAS) into local vaccination days, routine EPI services (extended program immunization), and the community distribution of ivermectin to treat onchocerciasis, as well as local VAS days, over 3 million children received VAS..

HKI, thanks to support provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), played a major role in the initiative by providing technical and financial assistance and helping with the training, planning, oversight and evaluation. HKI participated actively in planning meetings, training sessions, social mobilization, supervision missions and in the final national evaluation meeting. Other major partners included WHO, UNICEF and the government of Cameroon.