Kathmandu, April 13 -- The Ministry of Health and Population again turned to UNICEF for help after failing to procure vitamin A supplements in time for a nationwide drive slated for April 19 and 20. UNICEF has already supplied the doses for the campaign.

This is not the first time, health authorities failed to procure the supplements, which are part of a national priority programme under which millions of children under five years of age are covered. Authorities have missed procurement deadlines several times in the past and have requested the UN agency for help.

"Due to issues with the procurement process and pricing, we could not purchase vitamin A supplements on time," said Lila Bikram Thapa, chief of nutrition Section at the Family ...