Ouagadougou: The Minister of Health, Robert Lucien Kargougou, officially launched the first edition of the National Vitamin A+ Supplementation Days (JVA+) at the Urban Health and Social Promotion Center (CSPS) 03 in Tenkodogo. This initiative also includes a vaccination catch-up program for children aged 0 to 23 months.According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch was attended by administrative, health, and customary authorities, as well as technical and financial partners. This event marks the start of a national campaign aimed at enhancing the health and survival of children under five. The campaign focuses on administering vitamin A, deworming with Albendazole, and updating the vaccination schedule for children who have not been fully vaccinated.The ceremony included a tour of the CSPS Urbain 03 facilities, where Minister Kargougou lauded the significant efforts of the health personnel. The minister and his delegation observed a screening session and the administration of vitamin A to children fr om the Bamogo family by Community Health Workers (CHWs).Dr. Robert Kargougou highlighted the campaign's importance in combating malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases. He stated, "Vitamin A strengthens children's immune systems, combats night blindness, and significantly reduces the risk of infant mortality." He also acknowledged the dedication of health personnel and the support from partners like UNICEF, WHO, and Helen Keller International, urging parents to ensure their children receive vaccinations and vital health interventions during the campaign.UNICEF Deputy Representative in Burkina Faso, Dr. James Mugaju, stressed that JVA+ reduces infant mortality by 24%. Technical and financial partners are collaborating with the Burkinabe government to execute this life-saving initiative, which aims to reach over 4,648,123 children nationwide.The campaign will span four days in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, and a month across the rest of the country. In addition to vitamin A supplementation for c hildren aged 6 to 59 months, it includes deworming for children aged 12 to 59 months, malnutrition screening, and catch-up vaccinations for those with incomplete vaccination records.