UNICEF Vitamin Program in India Under Scrutiny

NAGAON, India-Health officials are calling for tests of vitamin A supplements given to Indian children after thousands of complaints of malaise were reported. A UNICEF-sponsored anti-blindness program had been dispensing the vitamins in the northeast province of Assam.

While UNICEF officials are reportedly saying there is no possibility the vitamins could be contaminated, the Assam government is pushing forward with tests. Newspapers in the area have reported thousands of children have fallen ill, complaining of severe vomiting and high fever, since receiving the supplements. Several hundred children have been admitted into local hospitals.

There are an estimated 3.2 million children under the age of 6 who have reportedly participated in the UNICEF program.

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