UNICEF provides medicine to 11,000 Bishkek children

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Health began distributing medicine provided by UNICEF and the Soros Foundation to nearly 11,000 children here Thursday. The distribution is part of the Gulazyk program to prevent iron deficiency anemia among six- to 24-month-old children in Kyrgyzstan. Gulazyk, which is also the medicine's name, was being implemented all over the country, UNICEF Health and Nutrition officer Damira Abakirova told Xinhua. Abakirova said the target age group was critically important for the growth and cognitive development of children. During this period, the body needs more vitamins and minerals. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by lack of iron in the blood. Drinking tea, widespread in Kyrgyzstan, blocks iron absorption, thus deepening the problem of deficiency. Doctors therefore recommend not giving tea to children and pregnant women. Iron deficiency can delay the physical and intellectual development of children, weaken their immunity system and increase their vulnerability to infectious diseases, eventually decreasing their future potential in education and career, she said. Gulazyk contained iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins A and C. Iron prevented anemia and improved health; iron and zinc improved growth and intellectual development; zinc and vitamin A strengthened immunity; vitamin A improved eyesight; folic acid prevented heart disease; Vitamin C strengthened health and supported iron digestion and a combination of iron and Vitamins A and C helped improve the appetite of children, Abakirova said. Every child between 6 and 24 months needed to consume 270 sachets for 18 months. Gulazyk was provided free to families, the officer said. UNICEF plans to give Gulazyk to about 150,000 children aged from six months to two years until the end of 2011.