Helen Keller International (Vitamin A Supplementation)

What Helen Keller International does

Helen Keller Intl was founded in 1915 by Helen Keller and George Kessler and is based in New York. This profile covers its vitamin A supplementation program, which supports government-run campaigns that give children aged 6 to 59 months a vitamin A capsule twice a year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Helen Keller Intl notes that nearly a third of children under five worldwide don't get enough vitamin A.

Rather than delivering capsules on its own, Helen Keller Intl helps health ministries run the campaigns. It provides funding, training and planning support, community mobilization, and monitoring of how many children are reached. The organization says supplementation can cut childhood mortality by more than 25% and costs a little over $1 a dose. In the most recent year it reported helping distribute 94.4 million capsules to 47 million children across 18 countries.

GiveWell has listed the program as a top charity since 2018. It estimates about $1 per supplement delivered and $1,000–$8,500 per death averted, depending on the country. Gifts made through Helen Keller Intl's dedicated vitamin A page are restricted to that work. General gifts to the organization also fund its wider nutrition, vision and health programs.

Key facts

• In the most recent year, supported governments to distribute 94.4 million vitamin A capsules, reaching 47 million children under five across 18 countries (Helen Keller Intl)
• Supplementation takes two capsules a year and costs a little more than $1 per dose, according to Helen Keller Intl
• GiveWell estimates about $1 per supplement delivered and $1,000–$8,500 to avert a death, depending on the country
• Named a GiveWell top charity since 2018 (Helen Keller Intl vitamin A page)

Before you give

• Gifts on the vitamin A page are restricted to vitamin A work; the general donation form funds Helen Keller Intl's broader programs.
• Donors can also give through GiveWell and designate Helen Keller Intl; GiveWell says it grants 100% of designated gifts, after payment fees.