President Howard Schiffer founded Vitamin Angels in response to the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Since then, the organization has expanded distributions to children in developing countries in recognition that essential nutrients can save lives. With the support of manufacturers, retailers, corporations, and individuals, Vitamin Angels continues to reach children and mothers in need of vital nutrients domestically and around the world.
Vitamin Angels reduces child mortality by connecting infants and children under five with essential nutrients. We help children attain good health and the opportunity to lead meaningful and productive lives. Essential nutrients address chronic malnutrition and the resulting morbidity and mortality caused by vitamin deficiencies. By mobilizing public sector organizations, private sector resources and motivated individuals in partnership with Vitamin Angels, we strive to reach underserved children and mothers domestically and internationally.
In 2008 we reached 7 million children in 42 countries while maintaining ongoing programs in 20 countries. In 2009, we are expanding Operation 20/20 to reach 10 million children with vitamin A and antiparasitics, the next benchmark to reaching our goal of eliminating vitamin A deficiency by the year 2020. Through our Thrive to Five program we will distribute 100 million doses of multivitamins to children and mothers in need around the world.
The figure of $.25 refers to the cost of reaching one child with two doses of both vitamin A and antiparasitics through Operation 20/20. This is the amount needed to alleviate vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children under five for one year, a solution proven to reduce overall child mortality by 23%. In other words, vitamin A supplementation alone can save one in four children who will die this year. $.25 reflects the approximate cost for the purchase (as necessary) of the vitamins and antiparasitics, logistics, transportation, and staff costs. Costs absorbed by our field partners are not included. The cost to reach children and mothers with a year’s supply of daily multivitamins through our Thrive to Five program is even lower. Every year, around 54 million new children are affected by malnutrition or undernutrition. Thrive to Five gives children under five the vital first step to excel physically and cognitively, rather than simply survive their key developmental years Ultimately, no matter what the financial investment, as little at $.25 can make a huge difference.
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Source: Vitamin Angels
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