January 15, 2002   *   vol. 1 (25)

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vol. 1 (25)   *   January 15, 2002

     This project comes from a 3-H Grant # 98-20 approved in June 1998 by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International amounting to US$275,000.00, of which US$25,000.00 was donated by PDG Charles Katze of District 7230, New York, U.S.A. as a Foreign Counterpart Fund.
     The Philippine Rotary's contribution includes: the efficient management of the finances, the comprehensive implementation of the project through supplementation (the actual giving of Vitamin A capsules), advocacy  (creating awareness on the importance of Vitamin A) and education  (teaching students and parents to eat Vitamin A enriched foods); and the documentation of the procedures and results which can be used as a model for possible implementation in other countries.

     Vitamin A is an essential nutrient needed by the body for normal eye development, growth, reproduction and resistance to infections.  The World Health Organization has certified that 25% of children in developing countries, including the Philippines, have Vitamin A Deficiency.
     Grace 1 students have been targeted for the supplementation, as it is at this age that children are susceptible to Vitamin A deficiency.  The project coincides with government's drive against Vitamin A Deficiency.
     Incoming District Governor Macky Macabulos is the District Chair on Vitamin A of District 3790, is urging all clubs to prepare for the project by conducting surveys of the Grade 1 students in their respective areas and to coordinate with the local DOH and DECS representatives.