National Prophylaxis Program, which was launched in 1970 as an immediate remedial measure to address which of the following medical conditions /diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Blindness.
The National Prophylaxis Program, launched in India in 1970, was aimed at preventing blindness caused by nutritional deficiencies, specifically Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness and, in severe cases, complete blindness, especially among children. The program focused on the distribution of Vitamin A supplements to at-risk populations, particularly young children, to combat this preventable cause of blindness. By providing timely prophylactic doses, the initiative helped reduce the prevalence of xerophthalmia and related eye diseases. This program was a crucial public health step in improving child health and preventing avoidable blindness across the country.
Other options :
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Beriberi: Caused by vitamin B₁ (thiamine) deficiency, affects nerves and heart.
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Goitre: Caused by iodine deficiency, leads to thyroid enlargement.
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Hypercalcemia: Excess calcium in blood, not related to nutritional blindness.