Microsoft Word - AMICS-29Jan2013 - Childinfo.org

Percent distribution of children age 6-59 months by receipt of a high dose Vitamin A supplement in the last 6
months, Afghanistan, 2010-2011
Wealth index quintile
Percentage who received Vitamin A
according to:
Percentage of children
who received Vitamin
A during the last 6
months 1
Number of
children
age 6-59
months
Poorest 0.8 43.7 43.9 2,916
Second 0.6 48.3 48.3 2,933
Middle 0.4 49.5 49.5 2,780
Fourth 0.3 51.3 51.5 2,734
Richest 0.8 62.1 62.4 2,306
Total 0.6 50.5 50.6 13,670
1
MICS indicator 2.17
Within the six months prior to the AMICS, 51% of children aged 6-59 months received a high
dose Vitamin A supplement, as reported by the mothers (Table 5.9). The prevalence shows a
significant variation among regions. For instance, the Central region shows the highest Vitamin
A coverage rate (76%), while it is lowest in the Southern region (19%). There is no gender
difference found in Vitamin A supplement coverage in Afghanistan. However, it is notable that
data for 51% of children aged 6-59 are based on the reports from mothers/caretakers, and
fewer than 1% of cases are verified by a child health book or vaccination card.
The age pattern of Vitamin A supplementation shows that supplementation in the last six
months rises from 41% among children aged 6-11 months to 50% among children aged 12-23
months and reaches the highest prevalence at 36-47 months. Then the rate slightly declines
with age to 51% among the oldest children.
The mother s level of education is also related to the likelihood of Vitamin A supplementation.
The percentage receiving a supplement in the last six months increases from 50% among
children whose mothers have no education to 60% of those whose mothers have primary
education, and to 66% among children of mothers with secondary education or higher. As the
wealth index quintiles increase, the coverage rate is higher: from 44% of children living in the
poorest households to 62% of those living in the wealthiest households.
Children s Anaemia Prevalence
Anaemia in childhood is defined as a haemoglobin (Hb) concentration below established cut-off
levels. These levels vary depending on the age of the child, and on the laboratory in which the
blood sample is tested. The WHO has suggested levels of Hb below which anaemia is said to be
present. Children aged 6-59 months have anaemia if their Hb concentration is less than 11
grams per decilitre (g/dl). Childhood anaemia poses a major public health issue leading to an
increased risk of child mortality, as well as to the negative consequences of iron deficiency
anaemia on cognitive and physical development.
In the AMICS, blood tests were administered for sub-sampled children aged 6-59 months. All
children aged 6-59 months in the odd number of clusters were selected for the blood test.
Table 5.11 presents the prevalence of anaemia among children 6-59 months.
40