KATHMANDU, Oct. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The Nepali "national vitamin A capsule feeding program" conducted by the Ministry of Health got underway on Monday, 3.5 million kids are being given the drugs.

    "It is believed that this program has been making important contributions in saving about 30,000 children from dying untimely death every year," an official from the ministry told Xinhua.

    According to the set target, vitamin A capsules will be administered to about 3.5 million children between six months and five years, he said.

    About 48,000 local women health volunteers will be taking part directly in this task, he added.

    The official said the program is being conducted for the last 10 years with the objective of reducing child mortality and eliminating health problem including eye diseases caused by vitamin A deficiency. Enditem