Nepal Launches Nationwide Vitamin A and Deworming Campaign for Millions of Children
Nepal has launched a two-day nationwide campaign to distribute free Vitamin A capsules and deworming medicines to young children. The government expects about 2.1 million children to receive Vitamin A supplements and about 2 million to receive deworming medicine. The programme has mobilised more than 62,000 female community health volunteers and health workers.
KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has launched a nationwide campaign to provide free Vitamin A capsules and deworming medicines to millions of children, as part of its continuing efforts to improve child health and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
The two-day programme began on Tuesday, November 3, and will continue through Wednesday, November 4, across the country.
Under the campaign, Vitamin A capsules are being distributed to children aged six to 59 months, while deworming medicines are being provided to children aged one to five years.
According to Leela Bikram Thapa, chief of the Nutrition Section at the Department of Health Services, approximately 2.1 million children are expected to receive Vitamin A supplements, while around two million children are targeted for deworming treatment.
The medicines are being distributed free of charge through designated health centres and community-level distribution points.
More Than 62,000 Health Workers Mobilised
To carry out the programme across the country, the government has mobilised approximately 52,000 female community health volunteers and 10,000 health workers.
These volunteers and health personnel are responsible for reaching eligible children in both urban and rural communities.
Health officials have encouraged parents and guardians to take their children to the nearest distribution centre during the campaign period.
The large-scale mobilisation is intended to ensure that children in remote villages and underserved communities also have access to the preventive health services.
Why Vitamin A and Deworming Matter
Vitamin A plays an important role in children's health. It supports normal vision, immune function, and healthy growth. Insufficient Vitamin A can increase the risk of serious health complications, particularly among young children.
Deworming treatment is also an important part of child health programmes. Intestinal worm infections can affect children's nutritional status and overall development.
By combining the two interventions, the government aims to reach a large number of children through a coordinated public-health campaign.
A Programme Conducted Twice Every Year
Nepal has been implementing its Vitamin A supplementation programme regularly since 2050 BS. The deworming programme was introduced in 2056 BS.
The government conducts the distribution campaign twice a year, generally during Baisakh and Kartik.
The current campaign was originally scheduled for October 19 and 20. However, the dates were changed because they coincided with the Dashain festival period.
The revised schedule was announced to ensure that the programme could be conducted effectively across the country.
Parents Urged Not to Miss the Campaign
Health officials have urged parents and guardians to make use of the two-day distribution period and ensure that eligible children receive the supplements and medicines.
The campaign is particularly important for families in rural and remote areas, where access to regular health services can be challenging.
The government hopes that the nationwide mobilisation of health workers and volunteers will help achieve broad coverage and strengthen preventive healthcare for children.
With the campaign continuing until November 4, parents are encouraged to contact their nearest health facility or community health volunteer for information about the closest distribution point.