Improving nutrition for children

Nutrition plays a crucial role in improving children's health. Depending on each stage of development, children's bodies need to be provided with and supplemented with appropriate nutrients, because improper supplementation can negatively affect their development.

The Quang Ninh CDC organized a communication activity on caring for children during the first 1000 days of life in Ha Long City.

In May, the Quang Ninh CDC collaborated with the Ha Long City Health Center to organize communication and counseling sessions on nutrition care for children during the first 1,000 days of life. The goal of these sessions was to improve knowledge and practical skills in proper nutrition care for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and caregivers of children aged 0 to 24 months. The communication content was comprehensive and practical, including: the importance of nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life – a crucial period for a child's physical and intellectual development; and maternal health care during pregnancy…

The outreach session also specifically emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, affirming the irreplaceable role of breast milk in children's health and development, while guiding mothers on proper breastfeeding techniques and addressing common difficulties. In addition, doctors provided knowledge about the importance of complementary feeding, guiding on how and when to start complementary feeding appropriately for children.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Trang (Department of Reproductive Health, CDC Quang Ninh) stated: Micronutrients are very important for young children, especially in the early stages of life, where proper supplementation is crucial. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals that play an important role in maintaining health and the overall development of children. These are essential components for building and developing muscles, bones, the digestive system, the nervous system, and the immune system, helping to provide energy for daily activities. In addition, children of appropriate age should take vitamin A and deworming medication annually. Pregnant women also need iron supplementation, and postpartum mothers and breastfeeding mothers need to supplement with appropriate and balanced nutrients for their children's comprehensive development.

Recently, the provincial health sector has launched a campaign to supplement vitamin A.   For children aged 6 to 35 months, the annual coverage rate is over 97%. Maintaining a sufficient supply and timely distribution of vitamin A at the Provincial General Hospital and Bai Chay Hospital not only helps prevent blindness but also enhances children's immunity.

The Women's Union of Dam Ha district organized a competition titled "Mother's Knowledge, Child's Health".

The "Nutritional Care Plan for the First 1,000 Days of Life" is implemented according to the professional guidelines of the National Institute of Nutrition ( Ministry of Health ). The commune and ward health station system has flexibly integrated activities to guide and communicate appropriate nutrition to pregnant women and young children, especially during "Nutrition and Development Weeks" and "Micronutrient Days". Simultaneously, growth monitoring for all children under 5 years old is organized twice a year, helping to detect early signs of underweight and stunting malnutrition, allowing for timely intervention.

In May, the Provincial Women's Union also coordinated the organization of the "Mother's Knowledge, Child's Health" competition in various localities throughout the province, attracting thousands of participants. Through various forms of competition, including situational problem-solving, multiple-choice questions, and theatrical performances, the competitions were lively and engaging, effectively conveying much useful knowledge about balanced and reasonable nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding women; daily menus ensuring energy and nutrients for children aged 0 to 5 years... These are all important issues that directly affect the comprehensive development of children.

The Provincial Women's Union, in coordination with the Ba Chẽ District Women's Union, organized a training course on preventing and combating malnutrition in children under 5 years old.

With various solutions implemented, the health sector and social organizations have contributed to improving nutrition and reducing the annual rate of malnutrition and stunting in children in the province, thereby ensuring their health and immunity for optimal physical and intellectual development.

Van Anh

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/cai-thien-dinh-duong-cho-tre-em-3363116.html