Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Bangladesh is observing day-long Vitamin A + Campaign on Saturday to prevent diseases that occur due to the vitamin deficiency mainly night blindness.

Director General (DG) of Health Ministry Dr Khandker Shifaetullah formally inaugurated the Vitamin A plus Campaign by feeding several kids the Vitamin A capsule and deworming tablet at the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) at Mohakhali in the capital Dhaka.

During the campaign, children aged between six and 11 months will be given the blue-coloured high-powered Vitamin A capsule, while children aged between one to five years will receive the red-coloured capsule.

Speaking on the occasion, DG urged the parents to feed their children Vitamin A capsule and deworming tablet to prevent childhood blindness and reduce child mortality and strengthen immunity.

More than 21 million children would be fed vitamin A capsule at 120,000 permanent centres across the country. Three volunteers will work at each centre to make the campaign successful.

Besides the permanent health centers, additional 20,000 mobile centres will be remain open from 8:00am to 4:00pm at bus stands, railway stations, launch terminals, airports, ferry terminals and bridge toll centres to make sure all children are given the doses.

BBN/SSR/AD-05Oct13-4:45 pm (BST)