In 1970, India initiated the National Prophylaxis Programme for Prevention of Blindness to combat extensive nutritional blindness stemming from Vitamin A deficiency, particularly affecting children.Vital for vision, Vitamin A deficiency can manifest as night blindness, dry eyes (xerophthalmia), and ultimately, total blindness. The programme mandates the regular distribution of high-dose Vitamin A supplements to children under five.Rationale for excluding other options:
(B) Iron: Lack of iron causes anaemia, not vision loss.
(C) Iodine: Iodine deficiency is linked to goitre and cognitive deficits.
(D) Protein: Insufficient protein results in conditions such as kwashiorkor and marasmus.