Helen Keller Intl works to prevent and treat malnutrition and vision loss. EA NZ specifically supports their vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programme, which provides millions of children with livesaving vitamin A capsules every year.

Vitamin A strengthens vision, prevents blindness, and builds children’s immune systems to fight illnesses like colds, flu, malaria, and diarrhoea. Unfortunately, vitamin A deficiency is common in low-income countries around the world, with around 180 million children thought to be affected.¹ Without enough vitamin A, routine illnesses can quickly end a child’s life: over 200,000 children die of deficiency-related causes every year.² Vitamin A deficiency is also the leading cause of blindness in children.³

However, the solution can be simple. A single capsule of vitamin A twice a year can save a child’s sight and their life, for just over $1.00 USD per dose. Helen Keller Intl run successful programmes providing these supplements across the globe, working in close partnership with national governments, local organisations, and international partners. They are a longtime leader in combating vitamin A deficiency, and are the lead NGO partner responsible for supporting supplementation programs in many countries.

For more information about Helen Keller Intl, visit their website, or see GiveWell’s report about their work.