Advancing Global Health Initiative Through Pediatric Vitamin A Supplementation.

Abstract

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.