The Universal Vitamin A supplementation in India: Appropriate time for change in the Policy
Main Article Content
Abstract
India is promoting universal vitamin A supplementation (UVAS) on the grounds that it could result in a 23% decrease in overall mortality. However, this controversial claim has only been discovered in clinically vitamin A-deficient endemic areas with basic healthcare services. Apart from conjectures the exact metabolic mechanisms involved in bringing about this mortality reduction are unknown. The findings of researchers from the John Hopkins School provide the majority of the evidence for the mortality reduction claim.
Article Details
Section
How to Cite
References
1. Kapil U, Tyagi M. SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE FOR TARGETED VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTATION TO CHILDREN IN INDIA. Indian J Community Health. 2011;23(1):1-3.
2. National consultation on benefits and safety of administration of Vitamin A to preschool children and pregnant and lactating mothers. Indian Pediatr 2001; 38(1):37-42.
3. Gupta P. India's Universal Mega-dose Vitamin A Supplement Program: Time to Bid Goodbye! Indian Pediatr. 2021;58(4):311-312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-021-2186-6
4. Vitamin A deficiency disorders in 16 districts of India,Dr G S Toteja, Padam Singh, Bhupinder. Singh. Dhillon,The Indian Journal of Pediatrics 2002 ,69(7):603-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02722689
5. Massive dose vitamin A programme in India--need for a targeted approach. Umesh Kapil 1, H P S Sachdev Indian J Med Res. 2013;138(3):411-7.
6. Effect of vitamin A supplementation on childhood morbidity and mortality: Critical review of Indian studies. Gupta P, Indrayan A. Indian Pediatr 2002; 39(12):1099-1118.
7. Recent Issues in Vitamin-A Supplementation in India and Strategies for their Prevention and Control, Indian Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2015;3(2):81-88 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijpm.2321.5917.3215.7
8. Greiner, T., Mason, J., Benn, C.S. et al. Does India Need a Universal High-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation Program?. Indian J Pediatr. 2019;86:538-514 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-018-02851-x