HELEN KELLER INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATES IN MICRONUTRIENT WEEK IN SIERRA LEONE

June 16, 2006– During Sierra Leone’s first biannual Micronutrient Week, June 16th – 20th 2006, 750,000 children under five years of age received vitamin A supplements, deworming medication and updated vaccinations. In addition, approximately 250,000 pregnant and recently delivered women received deworming medications, iron-folic acid supplements and tetanus vaccinations. Helen Keller International (HKI) participated in the distribution of the vitamin A supplements through its program supported by a grant from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Although Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has distributed vitamin A for a number of years during biannual vaccination campaigns, this was the first time vitamin A distribution was combined with an integrated package of child health technologies to increase impact. In addition to distributing micronutrient supplements, vaccinations and deworming medication, health workers also advised women and children on the importance of using iodized salt, sleeping under mosquito nets, and practicing immediate and exclusive breastfeeding.

Sierra Leone has one of the highest under-five mortality rates in the world, estimated at 301 per 1,000 live births. An estimated 40% of young children in Sierra Leone suffer from vitamin A deficiency. Iron-deficiency anemia is currently estimated to affect 86% of children under 5 years, and 68% of women of childbearing age. Tetanus and other diseases controlled through vaccinations are equally dangerous and, once contracted, often result in death.

HKI supports the government and partner organizations in institutionalizing micronutrient supplementation including biannual vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for children 6-59 months old and for postpartum women, and integration of VAS into routine health care services, particularly for children aged 6-11 months.

Micronutrient Week was launched by the Honorable Mrs. Abator Thomas, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and Sanitation, during a public event. The program launch was preceded by a press conference, which included representatives from most of the nation’s public and private media outlets.

In Kambia district, on Sierra Leone’s northern border with the Republic of Guinea, media support was also provided by local community radios. Radio programs and jingles helped mobilize community support, and let parents know about this important opportunity to improve their children’s health.

Micronutrient Week began on June 16th, the Day of the African Child, which marks the anniversary of the Soweto uprisings of 1976 when thousands of black school children in South Africa took to the streets to protest the inferior quality of their education under the apartheid regime. Many children were killed during the protests. This year, however, three quarters of a million children were protected through life saving interventions.

Mother and Child after receiving vitamin A.