The Ministry of Health and and UNICEF have joined hands to introduce the Micronutrients Supplementation programme for Fiji.
This is an intervention program following concerns shown by the ministry over recent reports on the continued rise of cases of anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiencies in our children.
The causes of micronutrient deficiencies are multiple and interconnected. Most of those people who suffer from micronutrient deficiencies do not consume diets with adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Generally, the problem is made worse by inadequate health care and sanitation, disease and a lack of education in infant and childcare.
Micronutrient deficiencies can negatively impact the health, growth and survival of women and children, educational performance, healthy pregnancy and immunity to illnesses.
Many people around the world, including the Pacific and Fiji, suffer from common deficiencies of vitamin A, iodine, iron, zinc and folate.
Quality varied diets would help resolve most vitamin and mineral deficiencies. However improving the diets is a complex and long term undertaking that is largely dependent on rising incomes, improved access to food, better health and nutrition services delivery and changing infant and young child feeding practices.
In the short term, however many lives can be saved and improved through a range of cost-effective interventions, including supplementation and fortification.
The Ministry of Health believes that given the global financial crisis, poverty and competing needs, investments should go to interventions that yield the highest rates of return.
The report of the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2004 shows alarming prevalence rates of rates of anaemia in all age groups of the population in the Fiji Islands – with children worst affected (6-11 months,78.8 %; 12-23 months, 68.3%; 24-35 months, 51.5%; 36-47 months, 40.4%; 48- 59 months, 29.9%; women overall, 40% and men, 21% ).
The 2008 Micronutrient study in children under five years of age show similar trends. Other studies confirm the problems shown and that rates are increasing.
To control these micronutrient deficiencies that exist in Fiji, the Minister for Health recently issued a Ministerial Directive for micronutrient supplementation amongst affected population groups, mainly women and children.
The target groups include young children 6-59months old, school aged children up to 19 years (including similar aged children who are out of school), women of child bearing age including pregnant and lactating mothers.
The National Iron and multi-vitamin supplementation (NIMS) is planned to run for five years. It is anticipated that the results will greatly improve our achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
The program will be jointly launched in Suva by the Minister for Education, Minister for Health and the Director of UNICEF in Fiji on October 1.
The first phase of the program will involve the distribution of deworming tablets, which will first target primary school students.
That will be followed by the distribution of Vitamin A Supplementation and Iron supplementation
Health Media Liaison Officer Iliesa Tora said the Ministry of Health will be counting on parents to support the program by allowing their children to receive and take the tablets that will be distributed.
“We will need support from parents as we can’t do this by ourselves,” Mr Tora said.
“We have identified problems and we need to intervene. But for us to succeed we will aklso need the support of all stakeholders in the program.
“Our children are being affected and they need to be given a good start, a new start and by having the deworming program we hope things will start to improve for them.”
Mr Tora said worm infestation can cause significant vitamin A malabsorption, which can aggravate malnutrition and anemia rates and contribute to retarded growth.
“Additionally, a child’s physical fitness and appetite are negatively affected, and her/his cognitive performance at school is compromised. Treating children of any age for worms is one of the simplest and most cost-effective interventions for improving that child’s health,” he said.
“Preschool children are in a period of intense physical and mental development and particularly need micronutrients that are lost through worm infections.
“Worm-free children have a better nutritional status, grow faster, and learn better.”
Mr Tora said there should not be any problem with the albendazole tablets as they are chewable and normally fruit flavoured. Tablets can be crushed between two spoons and given with a glass of water for children having difficulty swallowing the tablets.
“De-worming is very popular with communities and parents because the dead worms are expelled and are visible in the faces, just a few hours after treatment. Within a few days, children also feel better, they are more active and their appetite returns,” Mr Tora said.
“Generally there are no significant side effects. Minor side effects such as headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting are rare.
“Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to this drug include rash , hives, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.”