According to the World Health Organization, every minute of every day a child somewhere in the world goes blind -- nearly 500,000 children every year. Half of those children will die before their fifth birthday. The major cause of childhood blindness is Xerophthalmia -- a drying of the eye from a deficiency in Vitamin A. Capitan Camote and his elite Camote Corps are on a mandate to check, contain, control, curb, fight off, hold back, oppose, repel, reply, repress, repulse, resist, and restrain the evil Xeroff wherever and whenever children are at risk.

Xerophthalmia first appears as a decrease in night vision. Children with xerophthalmia may be increasingly 'clumsy' after dusk -- reading and other normal tasks become difficult. A child at this stage may appear healthy.

As the deficiency of vitamin A gets worse, the front of the eyes take on a dry appearance. As the dryness continues, white frothy spots (called Bitot's spots) appear on the white of the eye. Finally, the clear cornea which covers the front of the eye begins to dissolve. If the child survives, the cornea is permanently scarred.

Large-scale efforts to combat xerophthalmia may include fortification of foods and additives, such as milk and MSG, community distribution of vitamin A capsules, and health educational campaigns. One such community health education program is 'Tasty Pies for Healthy Eyes' introduced in the Philippines and Guatemala.

Capitan Camote and the Camote Corps presentations include live performances, comic books, videos and hands-on activities designed to popularize local foods that are rich in vitamin A and to inspire and motivate children for healthy eating habits.