The program concentrates on promoting infant and young child raising practices, especially breastfeeding, while supporting the building of "Centers of Breastfeeding Excellence" and the development of human milk bank systems.
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The Irish Government delegation visits the satellite human milk bank at Duc Giang Hospital. |
The program is currently being implemented across about 140 hospitals and health facilities in the three countries, contributing to enhancing access to necessary nutritional services and improving the nutritional status of women and children in the region. Notably, 67 health facilities across the three countries have been designated as “Centers of Breastfeeding Excellence,” comprising 45 in Vietnam, 12 in Cambodia and 10 in Laos.
The grant from the Government of Ireland, through the Embassy of Ireland in Hanoi, targeted to improve breastfeeding and infants care practices in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. This is the continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Government of Ireland, the Alive & Thrive initiative managed by FHI 360, and the Ministries of Health of the three countries, with the total support reaching 7.8 million EUR since 2017.
The new phase of the program will focus on regional cooperation, leveraging the "Centers of Breastfeeding Excellence" model applied successfully in Vietnam to support and collaborate with medical staff in neighboring countries.
According to Secretary of State Charlie McConalogue, Ireland’s support for this program originates from a simple but powerful belief “Nutrition is the foundation of all opportunities. When we invest in the first 1,000 days of a child, we are investing in the future of a national economy and social welfare. This new grant will help duplicate the recorded results in Vietnam across Cambodia and Laos. By acting together, we are promoting breastfeeding, strengthening health systems and ensuring that no one is left behind.
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The Irish Government delegation and leaders of the Ministry of Health visit the family of an infant receiving Kangaroo Mother Care at Duc Giang Hospital. |
The program is built to support women and children, especially those in remote areas or disadvantaged situations, to get access to necessary nutritional services and support. It also collaborates with the Ministries of Health in the three countries to improve national nutritional standards and policies.
This grant reflects Ireland's consistent priority in improving nutrition, particularly in addressing child stunting by enhancing infant and young child feeding practices in the region, in line with Ireland's global priorities.
Translated by Phuong Thao