Disrupted Distribution of a Vital Vitamin

Vitamin A deficiency affects almost half of under-5s in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but distribution has reached a 6-year low, UNICEF has reported.

Now, 62 million children in high-mortality countries are missing the precious doses, despite their reputation as a cost-effective, high-impact public health intervention. One reason: More countries are stopping their polio immunization programs, the typical route to deliver vitamin A as well.

The Quote: “…especially in low-income settings, medical infrastructure created is not necessarily infrastructure that should be removed, even if the original goals have been fulfilled. The infrastructure itself can prove vital to public health.”

The Lancet