On August 5, 2025, in Thanh Hoa Province, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in collaboration with World Vision International in Vietnam organized a seminar responding to World Breastfeeding Week 2025 under the theme “Prioritizing Breastfeeding – Building a Sustainable Support System.”
The event was attended by representatives from the Maternal and Child Health Department (Ministry of Health), the World Health Organization (WHO), Alive & Thrive/FHI360, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Health Department, the Thanh Hoa Center for Disease Control, and representatives from 25 provinces with ethnic minority and mountainous communes (Zone 3), as well as members of central and local media agencies.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Van Chi, Deputy Director General of the Maternal and Child Health Department (Ministry of Health), emphasized that “breastfeeding cannot be the sole effort of mothers, but must be supported by the entire system — from national policies to health facilities, families, and communities.” He called on local authorities to strengthen counseling, communication, and support for mothers to breastfeed, especially in remote areas, and to enhance monitoring and enforcement of regulations on breast milk substitute products in health facilities.

Dr. Nguyen Van Chi, Deputy Director General, Maternal and Child Health Department, Ministry of Health, delivers his opening remarks.

Dr. Jennifer Horton, Deputy Representative of WHO in Vietnam, shared that “breastfeeding is the smartest investment for public health.” She praised Vietnam’s remarkable progress, with the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months rising from 24.3% (in 2014) to 45.5% (in 2021). However, she noted that the aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes remains a major barrier, requiring stronger monitoring, transparency, and strict enforcement of violations. She also emphasized the need to expand training for health workers and strengthen community support so that every mother has access to quality breastfeeding services.

Dr. Jennifer Horton, Deputy Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam.

Mr. Doseba Sinay, Country Director of World Vision International in Vietnam, highlighted that “breastfeeding is a practical act of love — and that love must be supported by concrete systems, especially in disadvantaged areas.” He noted that World Vision has worked with the Government to develop community-led nutrition models. In 10 project provinces, the rate of stunting among children under five dropped significantly from 31.3% (in 2018) to 24.3% (in 2022). He affirmed that positive change is achievable when all stakeholders listen and work together.

Mr. Doseba Sinay, Country Director of World Vision International in Vietnam, speaks at the seminar.

As part of the program, two thematic panel discussions were held with the participation of experts, government representatives, and international organizations, highlighting the comprehensive role of breastfeeding. The first panel focused on the role of breastfeeding in child health and nutrition, while the second explored its contribution to environmental protection.

Panel discussion on the role of breastfeeding in child health and nutrition.

In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Director General of the National Institute of Nutrition, affirmed that “breast milk is the only natural food that produces no emissions, requires no packaging, and generates no waste — truly a zero-carbon food.” He underscored the crucial role of grassroots health systems in supporting mothers and called on localities to replicate effective models and integrate breastfeeding promotion into maternal and child health programs. The National Institute of Nutrition remains committed to providing ongoing training and technical support to transform commitments into concrete actions at the community level — where mothers and children are most directly reached.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Director General of the National Institute of Nutrition, delivers his closing remarks.

Through this seminar, all stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a sustainable support system — one in which every child is breastfed from the very first hours of life, every mother has full access to information and services, and together, these efforts contribute to improved health, better population quality, and sustainable national development.

Commitment to supporting breastfeeding — for the best interest of every child.

Some photos from the Conference in Response to World Breastfeeding Week 2025: