PM Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the launch of the National School Health Programme (Photo: Tran Hai)

The PM made the statement at a ceremony announcing the 2021-25 National School Health Programme, which was held online at the International Convention Centre in Hanoi with the participation of representatives from 63 cities and provinces.

The programme was launched at a time when Vietnam is taking steps to reopen schools after closure for months to help contain COVID-19 spread.

It demonstrates the Party’s and the State’s resolve to better care for children and students and give them the best possible, the PM said, stressing that the Party and State always pay attention to education, training, protecting and caring for health of the public and school health in particular.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted physical and mental health of tens of millions of students, both directly and indirectly, Chinh said, noting that thousands of them have been orphaned by the pandemic.

The PM on October 2, 2021 issued a decision approving the National School Health Programme, and assigned tasks to ministries, agencies and localities in order to provide comprehensive and synchronous care for physical and mental health of children and students.

He urged ministries, agencies and localities to closely coordinate in implementing the programme, and called for the response of each school, family, student and individual.

Strong messages should be made, and bold actions are needed as there remain children without care and protection, and facing threats to their life and physical and spiritual health, Chinh emphasised.

He also ordered quick and drastic actions to improve school infrastructure, especially in remote, border and island areas, noting students should be equipped with living skills.

The PM stressed the need to improve child nutrition, especially in the areas hit hard by the pandemic, and cut course load, firstly at the primary level, to help students find joys at schools.

Apart from school reopening, ministries, agencies and localities will continue with the vaccination rollout for children aged from 5-12 safely, scientifically, suitably and effectively to control the pandemic, he requested.

The Government welcomes and creates optimal conditions for domestic and international organisations, businesses and individuals to play a part in the programme, and other relevant programmes and projects.

Chinh noted his belief that with the sound leadership of the Party, the close and effective management of the State, the engagement of the entire political system, the support of people nationwide as well as international friends, and the response of schools, the National School Health Programme will be rolled out successfully, creating breakthroughs in child health protection and care.