Worldwide, vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. Not having enough vitamin A also increases the risk of disease and death from common childhood infections like diarrheal disease and measles.
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While rarely seen in the U.S., vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in more than half of all countries – especially those in Africa and Southeast Asia. Pregnant women in low-income countries are also greatly affected by vitamin A deficiency, increasing their risk of disease and death.
As part of its purpose to help people get, stay and live well, Walgreens maintains a relationship with Vitamin Angels to help provide 100 million children and mothers in at-risk populations with essential vitamins and minerals. Through 2017, Walgreens and its vitamin brand partners will donate 1 percent of retail sales from vitamin purchases of participating brands.
Based on the success of Walgreens last campaign to support Vitamin Angels, which to date has raised $5.5 million and reached more than 21 million children, the non-profit organization plans to use the forthcoming funds to work with partners in 46 countries, including the U.S. and Canada, to help prevent nutrient deficiency by providing vitamins.
“We are proud to support Vitamin Angels in its journey to provide life-changing vitamins and minerals,” said Robert Tompkins, group vice president, health and wellness, at Walgreens. “The impact that Walgreens and its customers can make to help minimize ailments related to the lack of essential nutrients, will improve millions of peoples’ lives.”
“At Vitamin Angels, we believe that reaching children and other at risk populations with essential vitamins and minerals is critical to giving them the opportunity to survive, thrive and reach their full potential,” said Howard Schiffer, president and founder of Vitamin Angels. “We are thankful for the support from Walgreens, its vendor participants, and most of all, its customers for their commitment and contributions to our work.”
Vitamin Angels helps at-risk populations in need—specifically pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five—gain access to lifesaving and life changing micronutrients. In 2013, Vitamin Angels is working to reach 30 million children in nearly 50 countries, including the US, with the vital nutrients they need as a foundation for good health. Vitamin Angels has received six consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator for Financial Health, Accountability and Transparency. To learn more, visit www.vitaminangels.org.