On November 26, 2025, in Hanoi, the National Institute of Nutrition under the Ministry of Health and the “Cham Yeu Thuong” Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in developing and implementing nutrition support programmes for children living in impoverished, high-risk, or disaster-affected areas. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Associate Professor Doctor Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, and Ms. Nguyen Van Linh, Vice Chair of the Management Council of the “Cham Yeu Thuong” Foundation.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the two parties agreed on a long-term partnership aimed at supporting and improving the physical well-being of children in disadvantaged communities. The cooperation is guided by four core principles: transparency, value alignment, community engagement, and sustainable impact on child health and nutrition. All support activities of the Foundation will be carried out based on technical consultation from the National Institute of Nutrition to ensure that interventions match nutritional needs across the life cycle, by age group, and in accordance with the specific circumstances of each locality.

The cooperation framework covers several key areas. The two parties plan to jointly implement activities to improve the nutritional status of schoolchildren in low-income areas, ethnic minority regions, and localities heavily affected by natural disasters. Capacity building is also a priority, including training courses and refresher sessions for health-care staff, nutrition workers, and related community groups. Another important component is the development and piloting of school meal models that ensure balanced and adequate nutrition for each age group, accompanied by technical support to upgrade essential facilities in schools and satellite school sites facing difficult conditions.

In terms of research and programme management, the parties intend to establish mechanisms for monitoring, data sharing, and nutrition information management. These mechanisms will help ensure regular programme evaluation and timely adjustments in the implementation process. Conferences, workshops, and community activities are also envisioned as important tools to raise awareness of child nutrition and promote evidence-based messages tailored to local needs.

During the signing ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Van Linh, Vice Chair of the Management Council of the “Cham Yeu Thuong” Foundation, expressed her expectation that “this cooperation will mark an important milestone and bring meaningful contributions to the health and future of Vietnamese children, especially those living in underserved and vulnerable areas.”

On behalf of the National Institute of Nutrition, Associate Professor Doctor Tran Thanh Duong acknowledged the Foundation’s strong sense of social responsibility and its meaningful efforts in supporting children’s well-being. He stated: “The ‘Cham Yeu Thuong’ Foundation is a dedicated partner, nurturing vitality and human values within the community. This cooperation is aligned with the orientation of the Government and the Communist Party of Viet Nam on improving the stature and health of Vietnamese people towards the year 2045. The National Institute of Nutrition will continue to work closely with the Foundation to gradually realise the goals set out, especially for children in ethnic minority and disadvantaged regions.”

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the commitment of both parties to mobilising social resources for the care and protection of child nutrition. This cooperation framework is expected to provide a foundation for practical, evidence-based interventions, strengthen local capacity, and bring sustainable and meaningful benefits to children across the country.