Saving Sight and Lives in Tanzania

Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) continues to be one of the most effective, well-tested and proven measures to prevent child mortality in developing countries. It is also well understood that reaching the fourth Millennium Development Goal of Reducing Child Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa cannot be achieved without strong and sustainable VAS programming

In Tanzania, Helen Keller International continues to work to ensure VAS becomes institutionalized during twice-yearly Child Health Days (CHDs).  We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and other key partners to determine what type of support is needed for sustained high coverage of VAS/CHDs. 

A recent post-event coverage survey found the leading causes of children missing the CHDs included not hearing about the campaign and the child not being at home during the CHD period. As a result of these findings, HKI is focusing its efforts to expand the current CHD community mobilization campaigns, and is testing new ways to raise awareness for the events, including through SMS/text message, radio talk shows, community leaders and religious leaders.