VietNamNet Bridge – Of 6.5 million children under 5 years old in the country, nearly 1.7 million are malnourished and stunted, said the Director of the Nutrition Institute, Le Danh Tuyen.

At a seminar held in Hanoi on Wednesday, Dr. Kathrin Engelhardt, principal specialist in nutrition for the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Office, said malnutrition is prevalent in most countries in Southeast Asia. In particular, Vietnam has nearly 30% of children with malnutrition. This rate is about 40% in Cambodia and Laos.

"In Vietnam, the percentage of stunted malnourished children is lower than in Laos and Cambodia, but it is still high. These children live in both urban and rural areas," said. Mr. Tuyen.

Tuyen said the lack of micronutrients necessary for height is also the cause for malnutrition among Vietnamese children. The national nutrition survey in 2010 showed that 51% of children lack zinc – the micronutrient influencing the development of height.

The recent survey on nutritional status of Southeast Asia also showed the similar situation. More than 50% of children in Vietnam are deficient in micronutrients such as vitamins A, B1, C, D and iron in their diet every day. The percentage of micronutrient deficiencies in children 1-2 years old has risen; this is an important stage for the growth and development of children.

According to experts, malnutrition in the first two years of life may influence long-term development, mental health, learning and future labor productivity. Therefore, Vietnam should encourage the practice of optimal nutrition for infants in the first 1,000 days of life.

Specifically, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and continue breastfeeding up to 2 years old. These activities have been proven to help increase nearly 20% survival rate of children, and help prevent obesity and excessive weight.

Stunting caused by malnutrition is also known as chronic malnutrition, which causes major implications for physical strength, height and intellectual development of children, even lasting through generations.

Le Ha