Helen Keller International
Helen Keller provides vitamin A supplementation to children under 5 to reduce vulnerability to infections that can lead to death.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that serves many purposes in the body; in particular, the immune and visual systems require it to function properly. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can cause stunting, anemia, xerophthalmia (dry eyes, which can lead to blindness), increased severity of infections, and death.
We attribute over 200,000 children's deaths to vitamin A deficiency each year. This program saves lives by providing technical assistance, engaging in advocacy, and contributing funding to government-run vitamin A supplementation programs.
Helen Keller's vitamin A supplementation program is recommended because:
VAS is a program with a strong evidence base and strong cost-effectiveness.
Track record – Helen Keller has experience with supporting VAS programs in a large number of countries.
Standout transparency – it has shared significant, detailed information about its programs with us.
Room for more funding – we believe that Helen Keller could productively use more funding than it expects to receive to scale up its VAS activities.
Helen Keller International: https://helenkellerintl.org/combatting-vitamin-a-deficiencies/
100% of donations to GiveWell through this page (after fees, and subject to GiveWell's grant approval process) will be granted out to Helen Keller International's vitamin A supplementation program.
Photo caption: An infant receives a dose of vitamin A supplement during a Malezi Bora child heath week in Kenya. 2015.
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Fundraiser by Andrew Lee
Emmy's 1st Birthday - Helping Children Around the World
In lieu of a gift for Emmy, please consider helping other children in need around the world... According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children, and increases the risk of disease and death from severe infections. It also contributes to other severe health issues, including stunting and anemia. VAD is common in poor regions around the world — particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia — as a result of diets low in vitamin A-rich foods. Oral vitamin A supplementation can prevent child blindness and reduce mortality by 12–24% and only costs US$1.23 per supplement. According to WHO, almost 50% of children in Africa and South Asia are vitamin A deficient — that’s nearly 180 million children. An estimated 100,000 children die each year from VAD-related causes. Helen Keller Intl (HKI) is a longtime leader in combating VAD and its life-threatening effects with successful VAS programs across the globe.
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Jessica Davis Happy Birthday Emmy! We are so happy to donate to this great cause. Love, Max Jess & Evan
Kimberly Canter Stefanee Silvers Caryn Berman Amanda Rubin Benjamin Bollinger Madison Leyden Rachel Lee