[Vitamin A supplementation in children under five during a one-week nutrition intensification program in Mali].
BACKGROUND
The National Nutrition Week (NNW) is designed to achieve 80% coverage of vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6 to 59 months. The objectives of this study were to describe the modalities of implementation of the NNW in 2006 in Mali and to document parents' and health workers' opinions.


METHODS
A qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases in May and June 2006 in four health districts (Kita, Kolondiéba, Dire and town VI of Bamako) selected at random. Individual interviews were conducted with Ministry of Health officials, partners and health workers. The focus groups were conducted with community leaders, carers / mothers of children. The coverage survey was conducted among 1,699 children aged 6 to 59 months.


RESULTS
The channels most commonly used to increase public awareness were local radio (6/7 cases), public criers (5/7) and community health workers or traditional leaders (2/7). The main sources of information for mothers were: health workers (39%), relatives / neighbours / friends (37%), local leaders (24%) and radio (25%). Vitamin A supplementation coverage was 90% (1,520/1,699) for children aged 6 to 59 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The NNW achieved its goal, but the National Department of Health should implement a door-to-door strategy and enhance communication in order to change behaviour.
Hamadoun
H
Sangho
Boureyma
B
Belemou
Haoua Dembélé
HD
Keita
Assa Sidibé
AS
Keita
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008302:Mali; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014815:Vitamins; D014801:Vitamin A