Decision 718/QD-BYT 2018 approving the National Action Plan on Nutrition by 2020.

This National Action Plan on Nutrition outlines Vietnam's strategic approach to improving the nutritional status of its population by 2020, in alignment with the national nutrition strategy for the 2011-2020 period with a vision towards 2030.
The Action Plan is a collaborative effort involving ministries, local governments, and citizens, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary cooperation and investment in nutrition, especially in disadvantaged areas. It emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition for the comprehensive development of citizens, particularly in enhancing height, strength, and intellect. Key objectives include reducing stunting among children under five to less than 21.5% in the northern highlands and less than 28% in the central highlands, reducing wasting to below 5%, and addressing chronic energy deficiency among women of reproductive age. The plan also focuses on ensuring proper nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life, from conception to two years of age, to prevent stunting effectively. To achieve these goals, the plan includes various strategies such as improving the quality of meals, promoting food security, and enhancing physical activity among students. It also calls for the development of guidelines for nutrition therapy and clinical nutrition, as well as the establishment of monitoring systems to assess progress. Human resource development is crucial, with a focus on training nutrition officials and improving their capacity at all levels. The plan encourages the involvement of social organizations and the private sector in nutrition operations. Funding for these initiatives will come from various sources, including the state budget, particularly for vulnerable populations.