7.5.2  Estimating vitamin A supplements requirements

If you do not have a census or register with the total number of children in your catchment area, use the following national statistics to plan how many vitamin A supplies you need for your community:

  • 2% of the total population as an estimate for the number of children six-11 months
  • 14% of the total population as an estimate for the number of children 12-59 months.

An additional 10% is always added for wastage.

You should order enough supplies for follow-up doses every four to six months through routine services.

Doses and schedules for vitamin A supplements

Vitamin A supplementation should be given to those at risk using the amounts given in the table below.

Table 7.3  Vitamin A supplementation for children.
AgeDoseFrequency
Children 6-11 months100,000 IU (one capsule of 100,000 IU)Once
Children 12-59 months200,000 IU (two capsules of 100,000 IU)Once every four to six months
Postpartum women200,000 IU (three capsules of 100,000 IU)Within 45 day after delivery

7.5.1  Strategies for the control of vitamin A deficiency

7.5.3  Administering vitamin A supplements safely using a capsule