The Retired Fourth President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has handed over to the Government of Tanzania through the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, 22 million tablets of Vitamin A drops for children, provided by the Government of Canada, through the Nutrition International (NI) organization.

Dr. Kikwete, has handed over the medicines as one of the board members of the Nutrition International Organization, which is the one who provided the assistance.

While handing over the medicines, he explained that the aim is to help children and the medicines will be provided in two phases, namely in June and December to approximately 11 million children under the age of five.

Dr. Kikwete explained that vitamin A helps to improve eye health and increase the child's immunity, so it is important for parents to ensure that children are given these drops.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel said the Government through the Ministry of Health is grateful and has received 22 million Vitamin A drops from Nutritrion International, which will help 11 million children.

He added that a child's education begins from the day the pregnancy is conceived, by providing the mother with good nutrition during pregnancy to help strengthen the child's brain, so he reminded parents to focus on good nutrition for children from the time of conception and to have a habit of eating a good diet for pregnant mothers.

The medicines have been stored at the Medical Depot (MSD) and will be distributed based on the allocation to be provided by the Ministry of Health in various areas in the country.

MSD has been the main distributor of these medicines and several others by ensuring that these medicines reach the citizens through various health service centers in the country, dispensaries and hospitals.