“Vietnam has demonstrated tremendous leadership in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG),” said Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), at a press briefing in Hanoi on May 8.

The official, who made a one-day visit to Vietnam, said the country has made encouraging progress in reducing the mortality rate of children and pregnant mothers as well as increasing the number of children and families that have access to clean water and hygienic environment. The mortality rate of children under five years old dropped from 53/1,000 live births in 1990 to 19/1,000 in 2005 while the infant mortality rate fell to 16/1,000 from 38/1,000.

These achievements will help the country complete the tasks outlined by the United Nations before the MDG deadline in 2015, said Ms Veneman.

However, Ms Veneman warned Vietnam of challenges in remote areas. The number of under-five children suffering from malnutrition remains high and much higher among ethnic minority groups.

In addition, the country is still facing problems in protecting children from injury and harm as well as the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She suggested that Vietnam establish legislation to enhance the protection of children and prevent family violence with help from improved awareness campaigns and more medical, social and law enforcement workers.

During the visit, the UNICEF official met with Vietnamese Government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and visited Phap Van Pagoda in Hanoi where HIV/AIDS patients were cared for by Buddhist monks and nuns.

Source: VOV