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.
Age | Dose | Frequency |
---|---|---|
Children 6-11 months | 100,000 IU (one capsule of 100,000 IU) | Once |
Children 12-59 months | 200,000 IU (two capsules of 100,000 IU) | Once every four to six months |
Postpartum women | 200,000 IU (three capsules of 100,000 IU) | Within 45 day after delivery |
7.5.1 Strategies for the control of vitamin A deficiency