The Vietnamese government has launched the School Health Program for the 2026–2035 period, aiming to standardize nutrition and physical activity in schools to combat the dual burden of malnutrition and rising obesity rates. Under Decision No. 973/QD-TTg, the initiative mandates that all schools implement systematic nutritional monitoring, health education, and daily physical exercise to improve student growth and long-term public health outcomes.
Expanding the School Health Framework
The national strategy, approved by the Prime Minister on June 1, 2024, establishes a comprehensive health ecosystem within educational institutions. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the program will roll out in two distinct phases: the first from 2026 to 2030, and the second from 2031 to 2035.
The primary objective is to transition from fragmented health services to a unified, data-driven approach. By 2030, the government targets 100% compliance for schools regarding food safety regulations and the implementation of regular nutritional status assessments for all students.
Standardizing Nutrition and Physical Activity
The program builds upon successful pilot models, such as the one supported by the TH Group, which utilized a library of 400 scientifically balanced menus. These menus are designed to address regional agricultural strengths and specific age-related dietary requirements.
Unlike previous informal lunch arrangements, the new mandate requires schools to:
- Maintain individual health records linked to the national population database.
- Conduct annual health screenings for every student.
- Integrate structured physical activity—ranging from yoga to age-appropriate sports—into the daily curriculum.
Medical experts emphasize that this shift is critical because Vietnam faces a unique nutritional paradox: persistent stunting in rural areas alongside a rapid increase in childhood obesity and overweight status in urban centers.
Establishing Medical Infrastructure
To support these goals, the government has set strict infrastructure requirements. By 2030, 60% of public schools must employ dedicated medical personnel with formal clinical qualifications. Additionally, every school is required to maintain a physical infirmary stocked with essential medical supplies, ensuring that basic health care is accessible on-site.
This represents a significant change from historical practices where school health was often managed by non-specialized staff. By mandating professional medical oversight, the Ministry of Education and Training intends to create a robust system that can detect and intervene in health issues early, long before they become chronic conditions.
Why This Approach Matters
The effectiveness of this model relies on the integration of data and community cooperation. According to the National Institute of Nutrition, past pilot programs demonstrated that when schools, families, and nutritionists collaborate, they can significantly reduce stunting rates. For instance, in previous interventions, stunting rates dropped from 3.5% to 2.49% within the study groups.
The inclusion of electronic medical records in the 2026–2035 mandate ensures that student health data follows them throughout their educational journey. This allows for personalized nutritional adjustments, moving away from "one-size-fits-all" meal plans toward a model that responds to the specific physical condition of each child.
Summary of Program Goals by 2030
| Requirement | Target |
|---|---|
| Professional health staff in public schools | 60% |
| Schools with dedicated infirmaries | 100% |
| Compliance with food safety standards | 100% |
| Annual student health check-ups | 100% |
The 2026–2035 program marks a decisive shift in how Vietnam manages student health, prioritizing measurable physical outcomes through standardized, evidence-based interventions. By linking nutrition, physical activity, and medical management, the government aims to secure the long-term physical and mental development of the next generation.