Ecuador to provide vitamin A to over 926,000 children

vitamin A supplementation child nutrition Ecuador Crece Sin Desnutrición Infantil infant mortality reduction public health strategy

The Ecuadorian government has acquired 6,616,550 vitamin A capsules to support a national nutritional prevention strategy. This initiative, part of the ‘Ecuador Crece Sin Desnutrición Infantil’ strategy, aims to provide supplements to more than 926,000 children aged 6 to 59 months across all 24 provinces.

The investment totals USD 394,670 and is intended to ensure a one-year supply at first-level health care facilities. The program specifically targets children in vulnerable nutritional conditions to strengthen immune systems, support vision, and aid physical development.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, vitamin A supplementation in children under five has been linked to a 28% reduction in mortality associated with diarrhea and a 24% reduction in mortality from other causes.