RAJSHAHI: Around 3.48 lakh children under five years will be administered Vitamin 'A' Plus capsules on National Vitamin 'A' Plus Campaign-2017, on December 23 (2nd round) in the city and nine upazilas of the district, reports BSS.

The campaign will begin at 8 am at 2,244 centres and continue till 4pm.

A total of 1,744 outreach vaccination centres will be set up by Rajshahi Civil Surgeon office.

Over 4,480 volunteers, 376 family welfare assistants and 241 health assistants would be engaged for giving vitamin 'A' Plus capsules to the children aged from zero to 5 years in the district. These were revealed in two separate pre-campaign press conferences organised by Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and Civil Surgeon Office held at their respective conference halls in the city yesterday.

Addressing the RCC's press conference Mayor Musadeqque Hossain Bulbul said media support is very important to make the forthcoming National vitamin ‘A’ plus campaign successful so that all the vitamin deficiency related disorders among babies are removed completely.

During her concept paper presentation Chief Health Officer Dr AFM Anzuman Ara Begum mentioned that vitamin 'A' supplement is essential for the normal functioning of the visual system, maintenance of cell function for growth, red blood cell production, immunity and reproduction.

It's also very important for reduction of the diarhoeal attack and prevention of post-measles blindness. Addressing his press conference as focal person, Civil Surgeon Dr Sanjit Kumar Saha says various problems including eyesight and night blindness could be prevented and cured through successful implementation of the campaign.

He said the national Vitamin 'A' plus campaign will be observed across the country to prevent childhood blindness, reducing child mortality and strengthening immunity.

 “We are committed to make the campaign a total success in the district comprising nine upazilas”, he added.