Medicines
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the functioning of the immune system and the healthy growth and development of children. According to the World Health Organization, between 140 million and 250 million children under five years of age are affected by vitamin A deficiency around the world. These children suffer a dramatically increased risk of death, blindness and illness, especially from measles and diarrhea. Vitamin A supplementation during acute measles significantly reduces their risk of death and complications from the disease.
Combining the administration of vitamin A with measles vaccinations is an inexpensive and effective way of reducing morbidity and mortality for children under the age of 5 years, especially in overcrowded settings like refugee camps.
