National Micronutrient Day 2013 was launched in the northern province ofThai Nguyen on May 28, promoting the essential role micronutrients playin people’s health, stature and brainpower.

Aimingto alleviate the shortage of micronutrients among mothers and children,the event features provision of Vitamin A for children and acommunication campaign to raise public knowledge on nutrition.

Addressing the launching ceremony, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen ThanhLong called for intersectoral coordination in the production andconsumption of foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

He underscored the need to provide micronutrients for mothers andchildren at disadvantaged and remote areas as well as those sufferingfrom natural disasters.

National Micronutrient Dayofficially takes place on June 1-2, during which children aged 6 to 60months nationwide are provided with Vitamin A.

The children also receive worm treatment and have their height measured.

Caregivers are encouraged to combine 15-20 foods from the four food groups in daily meals.

Infantsshould be fed only breast milk in the first six months of their livesand be supplemented with suitable and locally available food, accordingto the institute.

The Vitamin A supplementation programme hasbeen carried out in all communes and wards across the country for manyyears, benefiting over 90 percent of children aged 6 to 36 months andbetween 6 and 60 months in 22 disadvantaged provinces.

Accordingto the United Nations Children’s Fund, malnutrition among children iscommon in Vietnam, one in three children under-five exhibits stuntedgrowth, reflecting inadequate health and nutrition services for womenand young children.

Vietnam is one of the 24 countries that account for 80 percent of the world’s stunted children.

Vitamins and minerals are needed only in tiny quantities, but theirabsence can be devastating. Micronutrient deficiencies, however, oftenhave no visible warning signs, causing a ‘hidden hunger’ withfar-reaching consequences.-VNA