**Question:** Under the National Programme for Prevention of Nutritional Blindness, a child in the age group of 6-11 months is given a single dose of vitamin A in: March 2005

**Core Concept:** The National Programme for Prevention of Nutritional Blindness (NPPNB) is a public health initiative in India aimed at preventing vitamin A deficiency-related blindness in children. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major cause of childhood blindness in India. A single dose of vitamin A is administered to children in the age group of 6-11 months to help prevent blindness caused by VAD.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In March 2005, India launched the NPPNB to tackle the issue of vitamin A deficiency-related blindness in children. By administering a single dose of vitamin A to children aged 6-11 months, the program aims to replenish their vitamin A levels and prevent blindness caused by severe vitamin A deficiency. This strategy is effective, as vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision and immune function in children.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. This option is incorrect as the correct answer is focused on the launch of the NPPNB in March 2005, not the administration of vitamin A to children aged 6-11 months.

B. Although the NPPNB aims to prevent blindness, the correct answer refers to the launch year (March 2005), not the specific administration method.

C. The correct answer focuses on the launch of the NPPNB in March 2005, not the administration of vitamin A to children aged 6-11 months.

D. This option is incorrect because it discusses administering vitamin A to children 12-23 months old, not the targeted age group of 6-11 months in the correct answer.

**Clinical Pearl:** Vitamin A deficiency remains a significant health concern in India, particularly in rural areas. By targeting children aged 6-11 months, the NPPNB aims to prevent severe vitamin A deficiency and its associated blindness. The administration of a single dose of vitamin A ensures that these children receive the necessary vitamin A supplementation during a critical period when their immune systems are developing and their nutritional requirements are high.