Lao Cai: Promoting the implementation of the "First 1000 days of life" model to improve health for ethnic minorities
In recent years, Lao Cai province has actively implemented the "First 1000 days of life" model with the goal of improving the nutritional and health status of ethnic minority mothers and children.
The golden 1000 days is the time from when the mother is pregnant until the child is 2 years old. (Illustration photo)
By June 2024, the province had successfully built and deployed 54 models in 66 communes in Region 3, of which 24 models were implemented from January 2021 to June 2023 according to the old guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Nutrition. Notably, since July 2023, Lao Cai has deployed 30 new models according to Decision 2869/QD-BYT, and is continuing to develop 12 new models and perfecting conditions to ensure proper implementation of the guidelines of this decision.
In the consultation activities, 9/9 districts in the province have actively implemented consultation and guidance on nutrition care in the first 1000 days of life, integrated into the prenatal care program at commune health stations and the community. Up to now, 1,541 pregnant women and 2,924 mothers/caregivers have been consulted, helping them better understand the importance of nutrition in this special period.
Another highlight of the program was the meal demonstration activities. The province organized 103 training sessions, focusing on pregnant women and children under 2 years old, helping them learn how to prepare nutritious meals from locally available products. In particular, districts such as Si Ma Cai, Bao Yen, Muong Khuong and Bat Xat actively participated, with a total of 103 demonstrations attracting 1,589 women and children.
In addition, the province also organized 93 sessions of the child-rearing support group, with the participation of 1,432 pregnant women, mothers with children under 2 years old, and caregivers. These sessions focused on the content and skills of the National Institute of Nutrition's curriculum, aiming to equip mothers and caregivers with knowledge and skills on proper child-rearing.
The implementation of the "First 1000 days of life" model in Lao Cai not only improves the health and nutrition of ethnic minority children but also raises community awareness of the importance of nutritional care in the early stages of life. This contributes significantly to reducing the rate of malnutrition and child mortality, while creating a solid foundation for the comprehensive development of future generations in ethnic minority and mountainous areas./.
