Locals in HCM City receive nutrition consultations from leading experts at the annual Việt Nam Community Nutrition Day in HCM City on Sunday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — More than 2,000 locals and health experts participated in a range of exciting activities to raise public awareness on proper nutrition, healthy diets and active lifestyles at the annual Việt Nam Community Nutrition Day held in HCM City on May 11.

This is an opportunity for people to access scientific knowledge and receive personalised guidance on diet and healthcare tailored to their individual physical conditions.

Participants received nutrition consultations from leading experts at ten booths.

The National Strategy on Nutrition for 2021-2030 set specific goals, including a diverse diet and food safety for all ages, especially children, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, said Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn.

The Ministry of Health has been implementing activities to raise awareness about nutrition, such as the annual Nutrition and Development Week to promote messages on healthy diets and physical activity, Thuấn said.

In addition, the “Nutrition for the First 1,000 Days” programme is being promoted to ensure the comprehensive physical and cognitive development of children, he said.

The ministry has issued “10 Reasonable Nutrition Tips until 2030” that recommend people eat sufficiently and diversify their food as well as limit fried food and fast food, and maintain an active lifestyle.

These efforts demonstrate Việt Nam’s strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 that aims to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030.

The country’s stunting rate among children under five was at 19.6 per cent while the obesity rate was 19 per cent by the end of 2020, according to the 2019-2020 National Nutrition Census of the National Institute of Nutrition.

However, there are still many challenges in improving nutritional quality for the population. Specifically, the rate of malnutrition in mountainous areas remains high, with 38 per cent of children under five being stunted in some regions.

Meanwhile, the overweight and obesity rates in urban areas like HCM City have exceeded 20 per cent, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

In addition, the trend of consuming processed foods and sugary drinks among young people is rising, while physical activity is insufficient.

The Deputy Minister of Health recommends that individuals start with small changes such as making meals healthier or exercising for an hour each day to bring about significant social impact.

He also called on agencies and organisations to continue supporting the ministry in building a healthier population.

Trần Tuấn Linh, Editor-in-Chief of Sức khoẻ và Đời sống (Health and Life) newspaper, the event’s organiser, said, “Our primary goal is to raise the public’s awareness of the importance of science-based nutrition and physical fitness and contribute to improving the health and well-being of Vietnamese people.”

“With the valuable support from Herbalife Việt Nam, we hope Việt Nam Community Nutrition Day will be adopted in more provinces and cities nationwide in the near future,” he said.

Vũ Văn Thắng, general manager for Herbalife Việt Nam and Cambodia, said, “Việt Nam Community Nutrition Day is aligned with our commitment to support community programmes that inspire the public to adopt healthy habits and active lifestyles. We believe that with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and motivation from a like-minded community, people can achieve their long-term health goals and live their best lives.”

Organised for the first time in 2023, the programme has become an annual public health event in Hà Nội and HCM City. — VNS