Is Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign Still Justified? A Qualitative Study Exploring Insights From Policymakers and Programme Planners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ABSTRACT: Background: According to the last national survey in 1998, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was as high as 61% in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), leading to the implementation of the vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programme. The available data are outdated and require situation analysis and vitamin A status data. While these data are missing, the relevance of the VAS programme is currently at the centre of debate, and it is important to understand how policymakers and programme planners perceive VAS. This study aims to explore the insights of policymakers and programme planners regarding its relevance and justification. Methods: This study used an exploratory qualitative design. Data were collected using key informant interviews with policymakers and

SUBMITTER: Egbende L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12443511 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature