A school milk programme in the central province of Nghe An has helped cut malnutrition among children, especially those under five years-old. (Photo: VNA) (VNA) – A school milk programme in the central province of
Nghe An has helped cut malnutrition among children, especially those under five
years-old, according to the provincial People’s Committee.
Thanks to the programme, the rates among pre-school children and
primary pupils were cut 2.85 percent and 2.78 percent, respectively, compared
to 2010.
The school milk programme has been implemented in all 21 cities, towns and
districts in the province. With support from the State budget, businesses and
local authorities, the kids receive five bottles of milk per week.
To date, nearly 312,000 children have registered for milk at kindergartens and
primary schools, 69 percent of total students in the locality.
The programme has, however, been hampered by poor infrastructure at
kindergartens, with inadequate milk storage facilities and a shortage of human
resources and capital.
With the aim of 70 percent of children benefitting from the programme by 2020,
the province plans to build coordination mechanisms among relevant authorities
and prioritises supports for disabled children.
The
was launched nationwide on September 28, 2016. It targets
providing all pre-school and elementary pupils in poor districts with
milk by 2020, meeting 90-95 percent of their energy demand and increasing the
heights of school boys and girls by 1.5 and 2 centimetres, respectively -VNA
Source: VietnamPlus
