Advancing Global Health Initiative Through Pediatric Vitamin A Supplementation.

Background

Malnutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, affects approximately 49% of children aged 6-59 months in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing the risks of morbidity, mortality, poor growth, and preventable blindness. Tanzania has followed the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines for biannual vitamin A supplementation (VAS) since 2004, but rural access remains limited. A preliminary assessment at a rural Tanzanian day care showed only 29% VAS coverage, indicating a substantial gap in coverage.

Objective

To improve nutritional health among children aged 6-59 months through a comprehensive VAS program at a local day care in Tanzania.

Methods

An interdisciplinary team coordinated structural and workflow changes, secured the supplement through established partnerships, and administered it to all 21 eligible children per WHO protocols.

Results

All 21 eligible children enrolled in the day care received their initial dose of VAS at implementation. VAS was sustained at 100% among 29 children, including the 21 original children and 8 newly enrolled.

Conclusions

A structured, community-based supplementation program in rural Tanzania successfully addressed critical gaps in vitamin A access for children aged 6-59 months. Implications for Nursing: This quality improvement project demonstrates the feasibility of global health collaboration through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and context sensitivity to improve child health outcomes.