The stunting rate among children aged under five in Vietnam is falling from 29.3 per cent in 2010 to under 18.9 per cent in 2022. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – The rates of stunting and underweight among children aged under five in ethnic groups in Vietnam remain at 31.4 per cent and 21 per cent respectively, according to the National Institute of Nutrition.

Speaking at a conference held on December 26 to call for investment and cooperation for national nutrition strategy in the 2024-2030 period with a vision towards 2045, deputy director of the institute Truong Tuyet Mai said that the stunting rate among children aged under five in Vietnam was falling from 29.3 per cent in 2010 to under 18.9 per cent in 2022. Meanwhile, that among school children aged from 5-19 remained at 14.8 per cent.

Vietnam still faces difficulties and challenges, as the rate of malnutrition and stunting in children under 5 varies widely between regions, she said.

Moreover, the rate of overweight and obesity in children increased from 8.5 per cent in 2010 to 19 per cent in 2020.

The rate of overweight and obesity among adults was 19 per cent 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 necessary to mobilise resources from agencies, organisations, communities, and people.

Nutrition-related regulations are suggested to be part of the disease prevention law, and relevant health problems should be covered by health insurance.