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.
