Vitamin A supplementation and estimated number of averted child deaths in Ethiopia

15 Years in Practice (2005–2019)

Bibliographic Data

ID15535921
AuthorsArnaud Laillou (0000-0002-2315-223X, Government of Ethiopia, corresponding author), Kaleab Baye (0000-0001-7298-1096, Addis Ababa University), Meseret Zelalem (Federal Ministry of Health), Stanley Chitekwe (0000-0003-0915-333X, Government of Ethiopia)
Year2020
Volume17
Issue3
Pagese13132-e13132
Publication date2020-12-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.13132
PMID33336556
OpenAlexW3114387088
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited22

Vitamin A supplementation (VAS), started as a short-term strategy pending dietary improvements, has been implemented in Ethiopia for the last 15 years. We aimed to describe the trends in VAS coverage and estimated the associated reductions in child mortality. VAS coverage data obtained from the District Health Information System and the Demographic and Health Surveys were linked to child mortality data from the United Nations Interagency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME). The number of child deaths averted was modelled assuming 12% and 24% reductions in all-cause mortality. From 2006 to 2011, VAS was delivered through campaigns, and coverage was above 85%. However, from 2011 onwards, VAS delivery was integrated to the routine health system, and the coverage declined to 42,000) could have been saved with a universal coverage (95%). Inconsistent supply of vitamin A capsules, but more importantly, low access to health care, and the limited contact opportunities for children after 24 months may have contributed to the declining VAS coverage. Any changes in target or scale-up should thus consider these spatial and socioeconomic variations. Increasing the coverage of VAS and closing the equity gap in access to nutrition services is critical. However, with alternative programmes like vitamin A fortification being set-up, the benefits and safety of VAS need to be closely monitored, particularly in areas where there will be overlap

Environmental health · Population · Residence · Socioeconomic status · Vitamin · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Demography · Global Maternal and Child Health · Iron Metabolism and Disorders · Medicine · Pediatrics

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