By 2025, the rate of underweight and malnourished under-five children in ethnic groups with very small populations will be reduced to below 20 percent, according to a program recently released by the Prime Minister.
The program on protection and development of ethnic groups with very small populations during 2021-30, approved under Decision 499/QD-TTg dated April 10, is aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively increase populations of such ethnic groups so as to achieve replacement fertility, and to reduce maternal and post-neonatal mortality rates as well as malnutrition among under-five children, thus helping ensure equal development of all ethnic groups in the country.
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| A class of Vu A Dinh primary school in Phong Tho highland district of Lai Chau province__Photo: Quy Trung/VNA |
Specifically, in the next five years, the number of child and consanguineous marriages will be reduced by 2-3 percent per year, while at least one-third of adolescents will receive pre-marital advices and health-checks for early detection of infectious diseases and HIV.
It is also expected to have at least half of pregnant women and newborns screened for the most common congenital diseases.
Around 95 percent of ethnic minority people aged between 15 and 60 years will be able to read and write, of whom 90 percent will continue their learning for consolidation of their literacy, and half of ethnic minority workers will receive job training suitable to their needs and conditions.
During 2025-30, the number of child and consanguineous marriages will be reduced by 3-5 percent per year, over half of adolescents will receive pre-marital advices and health checks for early detection of infectious diseases and HIV, and almost all ethnic minority people aged between 15 to 60 years will be able to read and write.
In order to achieve the above targets, the program requires intensified communication and education to improve public awareness and change public behavior about, and mobilize participation of the entire society in, protecting ethnic groups with very small populations.
Meanwhile, the health care systems in localities where these groups reside will be improved to provide people of these ethnic groups with family planning services, thereby increasing population quality and providing better health care for pregnant women.
The program will give priority to people of these ethnic groups who are residing in the 12 provinces of Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Kon Tum.
Funds for the program implementation will come from the general scheme on socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas during 2021-30, and funding sources from relevant programs and projects in accordance with the Law on the State Budget.
The Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs will be responsible for directing and guiding the management of the program, and coordinate with related ministries and sectors in guiding local administrations in formulating component plans and projects for each year and the whole program period.- (VLLF)
