By Ushang Ewa
No fewer than 21,000 children have received Vitamin A supplement since the launch of “Operation Reach All Hard To Reach Areas,” by the Cross River State Government to ensure immunization efficiency.
Over 20 communities too have been reached said the Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu at the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons Camp at Ikot Effiom where 500 children under the age of five (5) were protected against Vitamin A deficiency.
“Over 20 hard to reach areas across the State have been reached by the Agency as 21,352 children have received vitamin A through this program,” Betta said in a message to CrossRiverWatch.
She continued: “Vitamin A is very essential for sight, the functioning of the immune system and the healthy growth and development of children less than five (5) years of age” adding that: “Children suffer an increased risk of visual impairment (night blindness), illness and death from childhood infections due to Vitamin A deficiency which would cause diseases such as measles and diarrhea.”
The campaign also tagged; “Bringing AyadeCare to the door step of Cross Riverians’ is supported by the Governor and UNICEF as the aim is to see children living a healthy life devoid of any sickness Betta said.
The choice of Ikot Effiom camp was also due to the Vitamin A deficiency in children living there she said and disclosed other immunization services were rendered with mosquito nets distributed to the camp residents.
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