Vitamin A Project

Starting in 1997, Vitamin A has been shipped to Nicaragua provided by the Lions of Wisconsin and spearheaded by Lions Past District Governor Bill Davidson in coordination with the Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners. Lack of Vitamin A is the leading cause of blindness in children in developing countries. It is also important in mitigating many infections diseases.

At the present time 100% of children from birth to 12 months and 47% of children from 1 to 5 years of age are supplied by this program. Vitamin A is distributed by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with Nicasalud and Dr. Josefina Bonilla during the semi-annual Jornada along with other immunizations. Untold numbers of lives have been saved and blindness prevented through this undertaking.

Caused by a lack in the diet, malnutrition, worms, and other diseases that interfere with Vitamin A absorption, Vitamin A deficiency affects children aged under six years and women of childbearing age, whose Vitamin A status during pregnancy and nursing influences the Vitamin A status of their children. Field studies have shown an association between this status and three of the leading causes of childhood mortality. Deficiencies of Vitamin A are known to cause nutritional blindness in children, making them more vulnerable to complications from diarrhea, respiratory infections, and measles, all of which can result in death. Children with a Vitamin A deficiency are found to develop these illnesses at two to three times the rate of other children.

Supplementation programs for children and women of childbearing age as increasing Vitamin A intake is recognized as one of the most cost-effective interventions for child survival. It is estimated that a twenty to twenty-five percent reduction in infant and child deaths can be achieved through Vitamin A interventions alone.

Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. volunteers work with Lions Clubs International and Direct Relief International to purchase Vitamin A and deliver it to Nicaragua. Counterparts in Nicaragua work closely with Ministerio de Salud to dispense the precious Vitamin A capsules to children and mothers as part of national immunization clinics that occur bi-annually. Through these clinics, W/NP is taking bold steps to prevent blindness in the children of Nicaragua.

Click here to read about the magazine article that was published in the Lions International Magazine.