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H.H. Sai Maa and HIU partnering with Vitamin Angels, Us Foundation and the Sai Maa Vishnu Lakshmi Trust to administer anti-parasite (de-worming) medicine and high-dose vitamin A over a one-year period to 100,000 children, as well as pregnant mothers (the program has been named “Operation 20/20” and is also being delivered in other countries around the world).
The presence of parasites and worms in children in India, as well as adults, is widespread and represents a great threat to their health and the onset of childhood blindness due to Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). Through the administration of de-worming medicine first and then high-dose vitamin A, vitamin A can be absorbed into the body rather than consumed by the worms. During the 20/20 program, de-worming medicine will be administered first, followed by the administration of high-dose vitamin A (with both again administered after 6 months). The results will be documented and measured over the year.
A large team has been created to design and deliver the program in Kashi, including highly skilled and respected Doctors and medical professionals, school principals and teachers, NGO representatives, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University professors and students (including Dr. Ravi Prakash Pandey who is Administrator in Charge), as well as media representatives and government officials.
Arrival of representatives from the sponsoring organizations will take place in Kashi on February 20-21, 2008. A press conference will occur on the 22nd, along with distribution of medicines in medical clinics. Additional distribution will take place in villages on the 23rd and 24th.
Please access the following sites to learn more about the 20/20 Program and Vitamin Angels. More information will be forthcoming on the website very soon about the program, as well as the opportunity to travel to Kashi (Varanasi) to attend the launching.
http://www.vitaminangels.org/menu/media/downloads/general_toolkit/operation2020.pdf
http://www.vitaminangels.org/menu/media/downloads/general_toolkit/va_corporate_mission.pdf
For additional information, please contact Swamiji at Swamiji@HumanityInUnity.org.
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