Monday, 19 April 2010
A pilot project to provide free Healthy Start multivitamins to all children up to the age of four and pregnant and breastfeeding women is underway.
The pilot, which was launched by First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones and Health Minister Edwina Hart, is taking place across Cardiff
Although eating a healthy balanced diet will provide most of the vitamins needed, taking Healthy Start vitamins is another way to help make sure pregnant women and young children get all the goodness they need. They can also help avoid vitamin deficiency illnesses, such as rickets.
The vitamins will be given out by health visitors and in local health centres and clinics.
The findings from the pilot will be reviewed after 12 months and, if successful, the programme - using the recommended distribution process highlighted - may be rolled out across the rest of Wales
Attending the launch at Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre,Cardiff , the First Minister said, “The Healthy Start programme contributes to our “One Wales” commitment to invest in the prevention of ill health and supports the wider provision of equal access to health for all across Wales
Attending the launch at Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre,
"Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life, which is why it is important that pregnant mothers know they have the best possible chance to establish good health for mum and baby early on."
Mrs Hart added, “In the UK, half of all children under five are reported to have not enough vitamin A in their diet and there are reports of young children suffering from vitamin D deficiency. These vitamins are needed for normal healthy growth and development.
“The current Healthy Start Scheme and the new pilot project will together contribute to making it easier for people to improve their health, and to lead healthier lifestyles.”
Eryl Powell, Principal Health Promotion Specialist for Cardiff Local Team, said, “We’re supporting this pilot because we recognise how important it is for mothers and their young children to get the right balance of vitamins for the best start in life.
“Evidence shows there is a lack of awareness of the importance of vitamin supplementation amongst the public and health professionals so we hope this pilot will ensure that more people in Wales who need the vitamins will have access to them.”
Currently, the vitamins are available to those in low income families. However, the pilot will make these essential vitamins available at no cost to all pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children up to four years.
Find out more about Cardiff Public Health Team.
Source:
Public Health Wales
