The assembled public health experts believe that this deficiency is one of the main causes of mortality in Cameroon.
What is a vitamin? Attempts to explain, according to the doctors: “It is an organic substance essential in minute quantities to the growth and proper functioning of the organism. It is a micro-organism that the body cannot produce itself. Conventional medicine first counts vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, P, and PP. It is stated that their absence or insufficiency in the body leads to serious disorders or diseases called “Avitaminosis”. The question is being discussed at the University of Dschang.
Specialists, practitioners and students of health issues talk about vitamin “A” deficiency. A vitamin whose deficiency is a real public health problem in Cameroon and sub-Saharan Africa. And, despite the efforts made over the past two decades, the problem persists. Many studies show that more than 22% of women of childbearing age lack vitamin A. Consequently, according to the same studies, 35% of children aged between one and five years lack vitamin A in their bodies.
In fact, vitamin A deficiency in the human body weakens the body. The weakening of the immune system caused by this deficiency exposes the body to all types of diseases. But also multiple early deaths. When the subject lacking in vitamin A does not die, he is affected by diseases related to sight, including blindness. The symposium organized by the non-governmental organization, Helen Keller wants to sound the alarm about illnesses and deaths caused by type A vitamin deficiency. Doctors and nutritionists indicate that vitamin A is found in foods d animal origin. The examples of liver and butter are regularly invoked. As well as the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (carrot, tomato and melon) are recommended in the diet.
The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that situations of war, floods or drought in some countries are the cause of poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency. To put an end to malnutrition and cases of vitamin deficiency, specialists advise the establishment of critical masses of experts and practitioners likely to participate in decision-making involved in improving community nutrition policies. In reality, at least 50 million people face the risks of malnutrition and lack of vitamin A.