Three solutions to improve physical condition and reduce malnutrition in Vietnamese children

Nutritional care and helping children access diverse micronutrient sources are major priorities in efforts to reduce stunting rates in Vietnam.

Vietnam Children's Fund signed to launch the Nutrition Fund program for children in mountainous areas - Photo: T.LONG

On December 1, the Vietnam Children's Fund coordinated with other units to launch the Growing Together Nutrition Fund program for children in mountainous areas, with the goal of donating 140,000 jars of milk products, worth 1.4 billion VND, to children in Lai Chau province.

In Vietnam, the latest statistics show that about 2 out of 10 children are stunted. UNICEF statistics also show that Vietnam currently has about 1.8 million children under 5 years old suffering from stunted malnutrition. Of which, the rate of malnutrition among ethnic minority children in remote areas is twice as high as that of children in the plains.

Mr. Dinh Tien Hai, Director of the Vietnam Children's Fund, said that improving children's health and reducing micronutrient deficiencies is the fund's ongoing mission, linked to the State's social security goals, especially for children in disadvantaged areas.

Many localities have proactively implemented nutrition improvement models, while businesses have also actively participated in many support programs, although they have not signed directly with the fund.

For many years, the fund has cooperated with businesses to implement long-term programs such as school milk, providing milk and supplementary foods for primary school children, and supporting physical improvement in remote areas. The programs have recorded remarkable effectiveness and received great consensus in society.

To improve efficiency, Mr. Hai said that it is necessary to focus on three groups of solutions. First, raise awareness and nutritional habits for parents. Many families do not lack conditions but lack knowledge about proper nutrition, especially during the period when primary school children develop strongly.

"The habit of drinking milk and supplementing micronutrients daily must start from the family," he emphasized.

Second, the involvement of the local political system. Programs are only effective when the government and mass organizations work together, communicate and implement them consistently. "Where the political system is strongly involved, the results change dramatically," said Mr. Hai.

Third, mobilizing resources for poor children. Many children in disadvantaged areas do not have access to nutritional products. The Fund is increasingly calling on businesses and philanthropists to provide direct support, helping all children have the opportunity to supplement essential nutrition.

Mr. Hai said the "daily milk" movement has been successful in many localities, but there are still places with limited resources. The Fund will continue to expand the program and seek more sponsors to narrow the nutritional gap between regions.

The Growing Together Nutrition Fund contributes to realizing the goal of no child being left behind, all children receiving loving care and adequate nutrition to grow up happily regardless of region.

In addition to giving away products, the program also aims to become a bridge between mothers through the MomForMom (M4M) community - where mothers can sympathize, share and learn from each other in the journey of raising children.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ba-giai-phap-nang-cao-the-trang-giam-suy-dinh-duong-o-tre-em-viet-nam-20251201125219538.htm