Do You Know the Importance of Vitamin A?

The World Health Organization has deemed Vitamin A as the single most vital micronutrient for proper health and development for a growing child. Our bodies rely on vitamin A for proper bodily function and for long-term health. When a child lacks sufficient vitamin A during the early stages of development, they can easily get sick, go blind or even die.

Vitamin A Deficiency- 150 Million Children Around the World Do Not Get Sufficient Vitamin A

Some nutrients, like vitamin A, are not produced by the body naturally, which means it must come from a child’s diet, or they are at risk of being vitamin A deficient. Families with children living in conditions of poverty are most at risk, because purchasing or growing vitamin A-rich foods isn’t always possible.

Sight: Since vitamin A is crucial for healthy eyes, children who suffer from vitamin A deficiency may have compromised vision - or go completely blind.
Immune System: Vitamin A deficiency results in weakened immune systems in children, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases like measles, diarrhea and upper respiratory illnesses.
Hair & Skin: Without the vitamin A necessary for healthy growth, children often have thin, brittle, or lightened hair and dry, flaky skin.
Mortality: Vitamin A deficiency increases a child's risk of illness and resulting death.

Love Kenya Foundation Distributes 160,000 Doses of Essential Micronutrients

Thanks to a continued grant from Vitamin Angels, we are distributing 160,000 doses of vitamin A and albendazole (deworming) to children in hard to reach areas of Kenya.

Our team in Kenya meets with the County Nutrition Officer with the vitamin A and albendazole. From left to right, David, world-class marathoner - Wilson Kipsang, the two women in the center are from Elgeyo Marakwet County and include Priscilla Koima… — Our team in Kenya meets with the County Nutrition Officer with the vitamin A and albendazole. From left to right, David, world-class marathoner - Wilson Kipsang, the two women in the center are from Elgeyo Marakwet County and include Priscilla Koima, Nutrition Officer, and our Project Coordinator - Brigid Memoi.

We are working in close partnership with our in-country partners, Nandi County and Elgeyo Marakwet County in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. By collaborating with the network of healthcare workers, we are able to travel to rural areas to educate the villages about the importance of proper nutrition and to distribute the vitamin A to children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

It only takes two doses of vitamin A per year to combat the devastating effects of vitamin A deficiency. These supplements strengthen immune systems, helping to fight off life-threatening illnesses for children who lack access to foods with vitamin A.

Prenatals for Pregnant Women

In 2019, we are also distributing prenatal vitamins for 189 pregnant women, as part of Vitamin Angel’s global effort to reduce newborn mortality rates. There is an estimated 7,000 newborns dying daily per data released by UNICEF. By increasing the distribution of prenatal multivitamins to expecting mothers, we support improved birth outcomes and save newborn lives.

A newly pregnant mother receives prenatal vitamins.

Help Us Help Children

As always, we appreciate the support of our donors who make our work possible. A big, huge THANK YOU to those who contribute financially or otherwise. May God bless you!