## **Core Concept**
The National Programme for Prevention of Nutritional Blindness aims to prevent vitamin A deficiency-related blindness in children. Vitamin A supplementation is a key strategy, particularly in regions with high malnutrition rates. The program involves administering mega doses of vitamin A to children in specific age groups.

## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that children with vitamin A deficiency or at risk of it receive vitamin A supplements. For children aged 6–11 months, the recommended mega dose of vitamin A is **100,000 IU**. This dose helps to rapidly replenish liver stores of vitamin A, reducing the risk of vitamin A deficiency and related conditions, including night blindness and more severe ocular complications.

## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** 20,000 IU - This dose is too low for a mega dose in the 6–11 months age group. Typically, 20,000 IU is recommended for children under 6 months.
- **Option B:** 200,000 IU - This dose is usually recommended for children aged 1–5 years, not for those aged 6–11 months.
- **Option D:** 500,000 IU - This is an excessively high dose and not recommended for children in this age group.

## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the vitamin A supplementation strategy under national health programs is age-specific: **100,000 IU for children aged 6–11 months** and **200,000 IU for children aged 1 year and above**. These doses are crucial for preventing nutritional blindness.

## **Correct Answer:** . 100,000 IU