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Maintaining high vitamin A supplementation coverage in children: lessons from Niger
Victor M Aguayo1, Shawn K Baker, Xavier Crespin
1UNICEF Regional Office for West and Central Africa. vaguayo@unicef.org
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
|April 7, 2005
Summary
Niger significantly reduced child mortality by integrating vitamin A supplementation into National Immunization Days and National Micronutrient Days. This public health strategy ensures over 80% of children receive vital vitamin A annually.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition
- Child Survival
Background:
- Niger had the world's highest child mortality rate in 1997.
- Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was a major contributor to child mortality.
- A coalition formed to link VAD control with child survival goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reduce child mortality in Niger by addressing Vitamin A Deficiency.
- To integrate vitamin A supplementation into national child health programs.
- To establish sustainable delivery mechanisms for vitamin A.
Main Methods:
- Developed an evidence-based advocacy strategy focused on child survival benefits of VAD control.
- Integrated vitamin A supplementation into National Immunization Days (NIDs) starting in 1997.
- Launched National Micronutrient Days (NMDs) in 1999 for a second annual dose delivery.
Main Results:
- Niger became a pioneer in Africa by integrating vitamin A into NIDs.
- The combined NIDs and NMDs strategy achieved over 80% coverage for two annual vitamin A doses for children aged 6-59 months.
- The program's success was built on strong government leadership, district-level planning, effective training, communication, and flexibility.
Conclusions:
- The integrated NIDs/NMDs approach effectively reduced child mortality by addressing VAD.
- Sustained political will, strategic partnerships, and community mobilization are crucial for public health interventions.
- This successful model has been disseminated across West Africa.