Thanh Nien newspaper supports UNICEF's nutrition programme for malnourished children

HO CHI MINH CITY (Viet Nam), 29 Oct 2024 – Thanh Nien newspaper has launched a fundraising campaign in support of UNICEF's nutrition programme in Viet Nam, which aims to reduce malnutrition among children. This is especially important in the wake of Typhoon Yagi’s path of destruction across northern provinces since children’s nutrition is usually at risk in the aftermath of natural disasters.

With the theme The Empty Seats, symbolizing empty classrooms and unfulfilled dreams, the campaign is designed to raise awareness of child malnutrition in Viet Nam and mobilize public action to urgently address this issue. This initiative specifically targets children from ethnic groups, those in hard-to-reach communities, and affected by Typhoon Yagi.

In Viet Nam, more than 1.3 million under-five children suffer from malnutrition, especially in the northern mountainous and Central Highlands regions, where it’s challenging for many families to make ends meet. The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi has left some of these regions in urgent need of nutrition-focused interventions.

A rapid assessment conducted by the nutrition sector led by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Ministry of Health and UNICEF in six provinces affected by the typhoon, revealed that approximately 14,000 under-five children are suffering from acute malnutrition. Among them, about 3,000 are facing the life-threatening condition of severe acute malnutrition. Immediate interventions are crucial to safeguard the health and well-being of these vulnerable children. In response to this urgent need to provide immediate treatment for malnourished children, UNICEF with NIN timely delivered 12 tons of therapeutic nutrition products to local health authorities in affected communities.

“We believed that child malnutrition was a thing of the past, yet we have learnt it persists today in some remote areas. The empty seats in classrooms, as shown in our campaign, symbolize unfulfilled dreams. Despite progress in highland areas, some school seats remain vacant because malnourished children frequently get sick and cannot attend school,” said Mr. Lam Hieu Dung, Deputy Editor-in-chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper.

“In the short term, these children miss out on play and lessons, but the long-term consequences are serious: they risk missing crucial developmental stages and future opportunities. We aim to help fill those empty seats with children who have a right to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams,” he added.

Good nutrition is essential for the survival, health, and development of all children.  Those aged under five years who are malnourished remain at risk of long-term physical and cognitive developmental delays, while children experiencing severe acute malnutrition face a mortality risk five to 20-fold times higher than their well-nourished peers.

“UNICEF has been consistently supporting national nutrition programmes to reach every child facing malnutrition and ensure they receive the treatment they need. Our work also focuses on the prevention of all forms of malnutrition so children at risk stay healthy and realize their development opportunities. This campaign will support our programme and open doors to healthier developmental outcomes for children,” said Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam.

UNICEF works with government partners to provide treatment for children suffering severe acute malnutrition through a specialized nutritional product, endorsed by the World Health Organization, delivered in numerous countries by UNICEF. This nutrient-dense, hand-sized biscuit provides the energy and micronutrients needed for recovery. In addition, UNICEF supports coordinated measures, such as parental counseling on product usage and nutritional care, training for grassroots health workers, and establishment of monitoring networks in areas with high malnutrition rates.

Individuals can play a vital role in this effort by contributing to the campaign. Their donations will go directly toward providing this essential product, helping children regain their strength and thrive. By participating in this fundraising initiative, Thanh Nien’s readers will not only be supporting immediate treatment, but also investing in the long-term well-being of all children to ensure they have a brighter, healthier future. According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in interventions to reduce stunting yields a return of $11, while investment in treating acute malnutrition provides a return of $4.

Through Thanh Nien’s campaign, anybody can join forces with UNICEF to help end malnutrition. Together, we can ensure that children in need receive timely identification and life-saving treatment. Your support will provide critical nutritional care, prevent malnutrition, and reduce child mortality rates, thereby giving more children the chance to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Please visit https://thanhnien.unicef.vn/pages/cho-em-dinh-duong to donate. Your contribution can change lives.