Tuyen Quang Province Battles Malnutrition with “1,000 Days of Nutritional Care” Model
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Despite near-universal monitoring of child growth, malnutrition rates remain a significant concern in Tuyen Quang Province, Vietnam, prompting a renewed focus on comprehensive nutritional support during the critical first two years of life. The province’s “1,000 Days of Nutritional Care” model, targeting pregnant women, newborns, and infants, aims to address persistent challenges in ensuring optimal child development.
A Province-Wide Effort to Monitor Growth
Health officials report that approximately 99% of children under two years of age in Tuyen Quang Province have their weight and height regularly measured, accompanied by counseling, training, and technical supervision. This extensive monitoring system demonstrates a strong commitment from the health system at all levels to track child development. More than 82,000 children under five are currently monitored, with 98.67% having their weight and height assessed regularly, exceeding established targets. Furthermore, 99.56% of children under two receive at least three monitoring sessions per month, highlighting the dedication of local medical teams.
Persistent Malnutrition Despite Progress
However, despite these impressive monitoring rates, malnutrition remains a pressing issue. Current data reveals that 30.31% of children in the province are experiencing stunting, while 15.94% are underweight. These figures underscore the complexities of nutritional management during the crucial first 1,000 days of life – a period recognized as pivotal for long-term health and cognitive development.
The “1,000 Days” Model: A Multifaceted Approach
The “1,000 Days of Nutritional Care” model focuses on improving children’s health and growth through regular nutritional monitoring, tailored dietary advice, and the provision of essential micronutrient supplements, including vitamin A and specialized nutritional products. The initiative also prioritizes strengthening the professional capabilities of health workers, equipping them with the skills to provide effective counseling and support. Training courses have been conducted, with 91 trainees receiving instruction in acute malnutrition management and treatment using Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). A dedicated technical supervision team ensures consistent application of best practices.
Challenges to Sustainability and Implementation
Despite positive strides, significant obstacles hinder the long-term success of the program. “Although many positive results have been achieved, malnutrition rates remain high, showing that the sustainability of interventions has not met expectations,” stated a senior official from the Ministry of Nutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding rates for the first six months of life stand at only 47.45%, and access to RUTF products for treating acute malnutrition is limited in many regions.
Funding constraints and high staff turnover within the nutrition sector contribute to inconsistent data monitoring and reporting. Furthermore, a lack of coordination between the health, education, and public sectors is impacting the effectiveness of communication and program implementation. “Basic health workers are committed but under-resourced, have plans but are slow to deliver results for implementation. This is the reality of many activities coming to a halt,” the official added.
Cultural Practices and Community Engagement
Addressing malnutrition requires more than just medical intervention; it demands a shift in community awareness and practices. Traditional beliefs in some ethnic communities, such as restrictive dietary practices during pregnancy, early weaning, and diets lacking essential micronutrients, continue to pose challenges. While communication efforts are underway, achieving lasting behavioral change, particularly in remote areas, remains difficult.
Future Goals and Collaborative Efforts
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health in Tuyen Quang has set ambitious goals for the final two months of 2025. These include reducing the prevalence of underweight children by 0.3%, decreasing stunting by 0.2%, ensuring vitamin A supplementation for over 98% of children, and providing free multi-micronutrient tablets to more than 80% of pregnant women. Achieving these targets will require sustained financial investment, a well-trained workforce, and active participation from all sectors of society.
The long-term vision is to strengthen and expand the “1,000 Days” model through closer collaboration between health centers, schools, and communities. When nutrition becomes an ingrained habit within every family, the journey of the first 1,000 days will truly be complete, allowing children in Tuyen Quang Province to begin life healthy, fully developed, and filled with hope.
Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/ngan-ngay-dau-doi-geo-mam-cho-tuong-lai-169251116064231546.htm
