Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency is a major nutritional problem in many developing countries, in terms of geographic distribution, magnitude and human suffering. Xerophthalmia is the main preventable cause ofchildhood blindness. Recent ep idemiological studies have reported the role of vitamin A in reducing infant and maternal mortality, although the effects on morbidity are not as consistento Megadoses of vitamin A in capsule distribution campaigns have been the most common intervention as a short term app roach. Food fortification and the stimuli for vitamin A rich food production and consumption by the target population are strategies for the medium and long termo The main challenges to overcome vitamin A deficiency in the next decades should be based on three concerted actions: diagnosis completion, large scale action and monitoring/evaluation.
Key words
Vitamin A deficiency; Xerophthalmia; Morbidity; Mortality; Maternal and Child Health