Government is conducting a national micronutrient survey aimed at determining the prevalence of Vitamin A, iodine and deficiencies in the country. The survey, which started yesterday, will run up to December 7. It would include the collection of urine and blood samples from women aged 15-49 years, children from zero to 59 months and between the ages of five and 12 years.

In a statement yesterday the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare said the survey would be conducted in 35 households per ward in 122 random sample wards in all the provinces. "A team of six health workers with specialities in anthropometry and blood collection will visit each household in the selected wards to collect urine, blood and salt and conduct weight measurements," read the statement.