Saving Sight and Lives: ACROSS Empowers Health Workers for Vitamin A and Deworming Campaign.

13/12/2024

Each year, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children worldwide suffer blindness due to vitamin A deficiency, with approximately half of these children succumbing to death within a year of losing their sight. In response to this pressing health issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6 to 59 months in regions experiencing moderate to severe deficiency. Addressing this critical need necessitates the involvement of skilled health workers who can implement effective interventions.

_{^{Mr. Daniel Malish facilitating training for health workers on IIP guidelines at Sky Resort, Yei County.}}

From December 9 to 13, 2024, ACROSS will conduct training sessions aimed at enhancing the skills of vaccinators and record keepers in Lainya, Yei, and Morobo counties. This initiative is designed to prepare 54 participants (45 Males, 9 Females) for the forthcoming Vitamin A and Deworming Campaign, specifically targeting children aged 6 to 59 months.

Building Capacity for Lifesaving Interventions.

The training program seeks to bolster the capacity of local health workers, empowering them to effectively administer vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets. These interventions are crucial for addressing significant health challenges by reducing the incidence and severity of childhood infections such as diarrhea and measles, thereby improving survival rates and supporting long-term health and development.

Healthcare workers play a pivotal role in promoting vaccinations and preventive care. By equipping them with current knowledge and skills, this initiative ensures the efficient delivery of life-saving supplements to vulnerable children.

_{^{Ms. Marcelina Kiden demonstrates to the health workers how to carry out MUAC measurement.}}

A Commitment to Community Health

Vitamin A supplementation and deworming have been proven to significantly reduce childhood mortality rates and enhance overall health outcomes. Through this campaign, ACROSS reaffirms its commitment to improving community health services and supporting local healthcare providers in their essential roles.

This collaborative effort aims not only to protect children from preventable diseases but also to establish a foundation for healthier communities in South Sudan. As health workers acquire the expertise necessary for this vital mission, they embody hope and resilience for the future of the nation’s youngest citizens.