The Ministry of Public Health announced it is about to start several programs to provide vitamins (vitamin A, iron and folic acid) to children under five years of age and pregnant women. The Panamerican Health Organization and the US Agency for International Development have helped put together the programs. Also contemplated is the start of a nutrition educational campaign targeted at mothers. The vitamins will be available at public vaccination centers and at public hospitals. Likewise, children will be measured to check if they are growing on schedule. The government also is encouraging corn meal and wheat flour manufacturers to fortify their products with vitamins. Programs are coordinated by Matilde Josefina Vásquez, director of the National Department of Nutrition of the Ministry of Public Health.
