The provision of increased does of vitamin A supplementation every 4-6 months protects against blindness and also has an impact on the health of children 6-59 months of age, reducing the risk of dying from all causes by 23%. Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to have a significant impact on child mortality and morbidity.

Recommended dose:

• All mothers irrespective of their mode of infant feeding up to six weeks postpartum if they have not received vitamin A supplementation after delivery should be given 200 000 IU

• Infants aged 9–11 months can receive 100 000 IU

• Children aged 12 months and older can receive 200 000 IU

• Children aged 1–4 years can receive 200 000 IU