The Government of Vietnam has paid special attention to improving mother and childcare. The government has launched massive vaccination campaign nationwide to prevent iodine deficiency, polio and whooping cough among children. It has also introduced children-related issues in the national plan for Socio-Economic Development in the 2006-2010 period.

Ms Maniza highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in childcare. She said the mortality rate of new-born babies has reduced remarkably, from 40-45/1000 in 1998 to 20/1000 in 2006 and that of children under five from 69/1000 to 30/1000.

“Vietnam has successfully completed its national programme on preventing iodine deficiency-related diseases and conducted massive vaccination campaigns nationwide since 1990”, she added.