Final answer:
The statement is false, as VA deficiency is a major concern that leads to preventable blindness and increased child mortality in developing countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Very few children die as a result of VA deficiency" is false. Vitamin A deficiency (VA deficiency) is a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries where it is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in children. VA deficiency can also cause severe immune deficiencies, increasing the risk of death from common childhood infections such as measles and diarrhea.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining proper vision, immune function, and growth. Therefore, a deficiency in this vitamin can have profound health consequences. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 250 million preschool children are vitamin A deficient and it is associated with 250,000 to 500,000 cases of childhood blindness every year, with half of these children dying within 12 months of losing their sight.