EVALUATION OF VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTATION AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS COVERAGE DURING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH WEEK
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Introduction
Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to childhood morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week serves as a critical platform for delivering interventions like Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS), deworming, and malnutrition screening. Despite its institutionalization, gaps in coverage, equity, and integration persist. This study evaluated the coverage and effectiveness of VAS and associated interventions during the June 2025 MNCH Week in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to identify implementation strengths and challenges.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing secondary data from the official MNCH Week OPS Room Report. The study analyzed coverage levels for VAS, deworming, Iron-Folate supplementation, malnutrition screening (MUAC), HPV vaccination, birth registration, and routine immunization across eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bayelsa State. Data were extracted from validated registers, service summary sheets, and mobile reports, with coverage calculated as the percentage of targeted populations reached. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings, and performance trends were visualized using tables and graphs.
Results
The study revealed an 83% coverage rate for VAS, exceeding the WHO-recommended threshold of 70%. Deworming coverage lagged at 55%, while Iron-Folate supplementation reached 2,197 pregnant women. Malnutrition screening identified 118 cases of severe acute malnutrition (Red MUAC). HPV vaccination coverage was anomalously high at 330%, whereas birth registration remained critically low at 1%. Routine immunization delivery was inconsistent, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Disparities in service uptake highlighted logistical and operational challenges, including supply chain gaps and inadequate community mobilization.
Conclusion
The MNCH Week achieved high VAS coverage and identified critical malnutrition cases, demonstrating its potential for scalable child health interventions. However, uneven performance in deworming, birth registration, and routine immunization underscores systemic weaknesses. Recommendations include strengthening supply chains, improving data accuracy, enhancingintersectoral collaboration, and prioritizing equity in service delivery. These findings contribute to evidence-based strategies for optimizing campaign effectiveness and advancing child health outcomes in similar settings.
