Improving the quality of the population in ethnic minority areas.

After nearly four years of implementing Project 7 under the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas (Program 1719), people in this area of ​​the province have shown significant changes in their awareness and behavior regarding healthcare.

Medical staff from Vo Nhai Health Center examine ethnic minority patients receiving inpatient treatment at the Center.

On a chilly morning in Trung Son hamlet, Than Sa commune, Ms. Duong Thi Nhiem, cradling her young child, recounted the changes in her family: "Before, pregnant women rarely went for checkups, and giving birth at home was normal. But now everyone knows that regular prenatal checkups and giving birth at the health station are essential for safety."

This change has been achieved thanks to the practical impacts of Project 7 - “People's health care, improving the physical condition and stature of ethnic minorities; preventing and combating child malnutrition”, implemented by Thai Nguyen province since 2021. One of the focuses of the Project is the model “Improving community-based childcare and nurturing practices”, with particular emphasis on the first 1,000 days of life - the golden period for a child's development.

Dr. Ha Van Ra, Director of Vo Nhai Medical Center, said that Project 7 not only helps medical staff improve their capacity to advise on nutrition and reproductive health, but more importantly, it creates a shift in people's awareness. They are more proactive and have more trust in grassroots healthcare.

This change is reflected in the numbers: The rate of underweight malnourished children in ethnic minority and mountainous areas throughout the province has decreased from 15.1% in 2022 to 9.9%. To date, the province has established 48 models of nutritional care for the first 1,000 days of life in communes inhabited by ethnic minorities...

To achieve these results, Thai Nguyen implemented systematic communication and training activities, specifically: organizing over 50 communication sessions attracting nearly 4,000 participants; 12 provincial-level training courses helping nearly 730 health workers improve their community health care skills. Over 130 sessions on nutrition, food preparation guidance, and maternal and child care reached even the most remote villages, forming a sustainable support network within the community.

Project 7 has brought about a significant shift in healthcare for ethnic minority and mountainous communities. In the photo: People in Dai Tu commune receive healthcare using modern equipment.

To date, the total funding for Project 7 has reached over 79 billion VND, rationally allocated to three pillars: improving population quality, maternal and child health and nutrition care, and enhancing the stature and physical fitness of ethnic minority people.

Thanks to targeted investment, 99% of pregnant women in disadvantaged areas receive multi-micronutrient supplementation from the time of pregnancy detection until delivery; 98.5% of women give birth at healthcare facilities or with the support of healthcare professionals, helping to minimize risks during childbirth.

In particular, 100% of malnourished children received timely nutritional counseling and support, ensuring that no child was left behind. The project also focused on healthcare for the elderly, with 780 people aged 80 and above receiving free check-ups, helping to detect diseases early for timely treatment.

Simultaneously, 25 specialists (levels I and II) were trained and assigned to mountainous districts, strengthening the capacity of the grassroots healthcare system. Thousands of publications on the prevention and control of thalassemia, child marriage, and consanguineous marriage were distributed, contributing to raising community awareness about health and population issues.

Project 7 has brought about a significant shift in healthcare for ethnic minority and mountainous communities. People not only have access to better medical services but also develop new habits and awareness regarding health, population, and quality of life.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202511/nang-cao-chat-luong-dan-so-vung-dan-toc-thieu-so-ee965c4/