An orientation and planning meeting for the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign 2026 was held in Barishal on Monday, June 22, to ensure the successful implementation of the nationwide child health initiative.
The meeting, organized by the Barishal City Corporation (BCC), took place at 11:00 am in the conference hall of the Nagar Bhaban. It was chaired by BCC Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin.
The campaign aims to enhance children's immunity and prevent blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency. During the meeting, officials announced that the program will be conducted through 220 temporary centers and 14 permanent centers across the Barishal City Corporation area.
Under the campaign, a target has been set to provide blue Vitamin A capsules to 8,950 children aged 6 to 11 months and red Vitamin A capsules to 49,760 children aged 12 to 59 months.
Among those present were Divisional Health Director Lokman Hakim, BCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Rezaul Bari, Civil Surgeon Dr. S.M. Monjur-E-Elahi, Secretary Rumpa Sikder, Chief Health Officer, Regional Deputy Director (Education) Nilufa Yasmin, UNICEF Regional Chief Md. Kawsar Hossain, Islamic Foundation Deputy Director Nurul Islam, and representatives from various voluntary organizations.
The campaign, organized by Barishal City Corporation, is being implemented with the support of the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN), National Nutrition Services (NNS), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with development partners UNICEF and Nutrition International.
Participants discussed detailed strategies to ensure the campaign's success and called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to reach every eligible child with Vitamin A supplementation.
