Stunting, underweight rates among ethnic minority children remain high
The rates of stunting and underweight among children aged under five in ethnic groups in Vietnam remain at 31.4% and 21% respectively, according to the National Institute of Nutrition.
The stunting rate among children aged under five in Vietnam is falling from 29.3% in 2010 to under 18.9% in 2022. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)♈ –The rates of stunting and underweight among children aged under five in ethnic groups in Vietnam remain at 31.4% and 21% respectively,according to the National Institute of Nutrition.
Speaking at a conferenceheld on December 26 to call for investment and cooperation for nationalnutrition strategy in the 2024-2030 period with a vision towards 2045, deputydirector of the institute Truong Tuyet Mai said that the stunting rate amongchildren aged under five in Vietnam was falling from 29.3% in 2010 to under18.9% in 2022. Meanwhile, that among school children aged from 5-19remained at 14.8%. Vietnam still facesdifficulties and challenges, as the rate of malnutrition and stunting inchildren under 5 varies widely between regions, she said. Moreover, the rate ofoverweight and obesity in children increased from 8.5% in 2010 to 19% in 2020. The rate of overweight andobesity among adults was 19% by 2020. Micronutrient deficiency,especially zinc deficiency and anaemia, among pregnant women, children under 5 and women of childbearing age remains high. Participants said to implement the national strategy on nutrition, it’s necessaryto mobilise resources from agencies, organisations, communities, and people. Nutrition-relatedregulations are suggested to be part of the disease prevention law, and relevanthealth problems should be covered by health insurance./.
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The stunting rate among children aged under five in Vietnam is falling from 29.3% in 2010 to under 18.9% in 2022. (Photo: VNA) 
