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Advancing Global Health Initiative through Pediatric Nutrition Supplementation

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2025-05
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DNP Project
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GLOBAL HEALTH PEDIATRIC NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTATION
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Abstract

Problem: Malnutrition, particularly Vitamin A deficiency, poses a health threat to children in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 49% of children aged 6-59 months are deficient in vitamin A, increasing the risks of morbidity, mortality, poor growth, and blindness. Since 2004, the Government of Tanzania has adopted the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) guideline for bi- annual vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in this population. The supplement is distributed through the Expanded Program for Immunization, however, some rural communities experience limited access. A preliminary assessment at a daycare in rural Tanzania revealed a VAS rate of 29% among children aged 6-59 months, indicating a gap in coverage, with an opportunity to improve access and nutrition. Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to improve nutritional health among children aged 6-59 months at a local daycare in Tanzania through the implementation of a VAS program at the site. Methods: The global health initiative involved mobilizing an interdisciplinary team of international stakeholders to plan the necessary structure and workflow changes to implement VAS. Once available, the supplement was administered to all eligible children. Results: At implementation, 100% of the 21 eligible children enrolled at the daycare received the first dose of VAS in accordance with the WHO guidelines. Six months post-implementation, the VAS rate remained 100%, including the 21 children who received the first dose of VAS and eight additional enrollees. No adverse clinical events with VAS among the children were reported. Conclusion: A structured community-based supplementation program in rural Tanzania successfully addressed a gap in vitamin A access for children aged 6-59 months.

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