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Nutrition International and the Government of Tanzania double down on commitments to ensure no child is missed with lifesaving vitamin A supplementation
March 13, 2024
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Story
Canada and Nutrition International reaffirm commitment to child survival in Tanzania through vitamin A supplementation
Nutrition International and the Government of Canada reaffirmed their leadership in child survival through vitamin A supplementation during a high-level visit to Tanzania by the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Canada’s Secretary of State (International Development). In partnership with the Government of Tanzania, they are working to improve the health and wellbeing of millions of children under five through this lifesaving intervention.
Posted on July 21, 2025
Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA — On July 20th, 2025, Nutrition International warmly welcomed the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), Government of Canada, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for a landmark visit that underscored Canada’s steadfast leadership in global child health and survival.
A made-in-Canada solution with global impact
Vitamin A supplementation is recognized as one of the world’s most cost-effective public health interventions with the potential to reduce child mortality by up to 12%, lower the incidence of diarrhoea by 15% and cut measles cases in half. The small capsule, produced in Windsor, Ontario, through a Canadian, public-private partnership model, has helped save the lives of an estimated seven million children globally over the past three decades
“Vitamin A is a powerful symbol of Canada’s commitment to child survival,” said Albert Kombo, Regional Director for Africa, Nutrition International. “For over three decades, Nutrition International and Canada have led global efforts in vitamin A, working with key stakeholders across the supply chain to ensure a reliable supply and, demonstrating true leadership in advancing health and nutrition for the those who need it most.”
In Tanzania, child nutrition remains a pressing public health concern. While national data on vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among children under five is currently unavailable, the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey reports that only 19% of children aged 6 to 23 months received meals with the minimum recommended dietary diversity, and just 8% were fed a minimum acceptable diet. These nutrition gaps significantly increase the risk of preventable illness and death in early childhood. Expanding access to lifesaving vitamin A can offer millions of Tanzanian children a stronger, healthier start in life.
Canada’s leadership, Tanzania’s progress
In collaboration with the High Commission of Canada to Tanzania, Secretary of State Sarai visited the Ubungo Makaburi Health Centre in Dar es Salaam, where he presented vitamin A capsules to Tanzanian health workers and caregivers. This symbolic gesture reaffirmed Canada’s ongoing commitment to improving child health in Tanzania and aligned with the launch of Canada’s new Africa strategy, which aims to deepen partnerships across the continent through trusted collaboration, innovative financing, and a shared focus on prosperity, peace and security.
“During my visit, I was able to see firsthand how Canada’s support delivers high-impact interventions and direct results,” said the Honorable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development). “By investing in children’s well-being, we invest in a healthier, more prosperous future for Tanzania and the world.”
A strong partnership for lasting impact
Nutrition International, with support from the Government of Canada, has been a long-standing partner to the Government of Tanzania. In 2024 alone, they delivered over 22 million vitamin A capsules to the Government of Tanzania, enough to cover 100% of the national supply for all eligible children under five with two-doses.
Beyond supplying capsules, Nutrition International built the capacity of over 600 frontline health workers and conducted supportive supervision visits to over 200 health facilities, helping ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of vitamin A services nationwide.
“We sincerely thank the Government of Canada and Nutrition International for their enduring support,” said the Honourable Jenista J. Mhagama, Minister of Health, United Republic of Tanzania. “Vitamin A supplementation has helped save countless young lives in Tanzania and remains a cornerstone of our commitment to safeguarding the health of our children.”
The impact is significant: every dollar invested in nutrition in Tanzania yields an estimated USD 7.70 in economic benefits, supporting broader national efforts to tackle stunting, anaemia, low birthweight and other forms of malnutrition.
Nutrition International’s work in vitamin A supplementation stands as a model for impactful, cost-effective solutions delivered in close collaboration with governments and communities — ensuring that every child has the chance to survive and thrive.
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