**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 (NP-PNB) is a public health initiative implemented in India to prevent vitamin A deficiency-related blindness in children. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining ocular health, particularly in the prevention of night blindness and severe corneal lesions. The age group of 6-11 months is targeted because they are at higher risk due to inadequate dietary intake and rapid growth during this period.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In March 2005, the National Programme for Prevention of Nutritional Blindness was launched in India to address the issue of vitamin A deficiency, which is a major cause of preventable blindness in children. By giving a single dose of vitamin A to children aged 6-11 months, the NP-PNB aims to prevent vitamin A deficiency and its consequences, such as night blindness and severe corneal lesions, which can lead to blindness.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. This option is incorrect as the National Programme for Prevention of Nutritional Blindness was launched in March 2005, not in December 2004.
B. Although vitamin A supplementation is beneficial, the specific timing of administration is incorrect. The NP-PNB targets children aged 6-11 months, not 12-23 months.
C. The correct age group for vitamin A supplementation is 6-11 months, not 3-12 months.
D. While vitamin A supplementation is essential, the proposed year (2007) is incorrect. The NP-PNB was launched in March 2005, not in 2007.

**Clinical Pearl:**

The National Programme for Prevention of Nutritional Blindness aims to prevent vitamin A deficiency and its severe ocular consequences. Timely administration of vitamin A supplements, such as in March 2005, is crucial for the targeted age group (6-11 months) to maintain ocular health and reduce the risk of vitamin A deficiency-related blindness in children.