Conclusion
The solution to VAD requires a multi-faceted approach. In the short term, distribution of supplements can temporarily arrest the spread of the problem. In the medium term, efforts aimed at the control of infectious diseases are necessary. Sanitation, clean drinking water and access to health care are included in this mid-to-long-term effort, in which ILAC plays a pivotal role. Also in the medium term, efforts to expand diet diversity and access to more nutritious foods will ensure that most nutrient requirements are met. Mario, in his role as community Cooperadore, continues to promote this health education essage. However, it will take additional effort, resources, and
education to expand local family gardens and crop production to include, for example, carrots and/ or introduce sweet potatoes. Finally, in the long term, food fortification can go a long way toward eliminating nutritional deficiencies
in a population. In developed countries, food fortification has proven an effective and low-cost way to increase the micronutrient supply and reduce the consequences of micronutrient deficiencies. Milk and breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin A in the USA. Sugar is fortified with vitamin A in Guatemala; cooking oil is fortified with vitamin A in Morocco; and flour is fortified with vitamin A in sub-Saharan Africa. It is not known where the policy-makers
of the Dominican Republic stand on this issue.