On May 27, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, officially launched the Action Month for Children 2026 under the theme: “Happy, Safe Children, Walking Firmly into the Digital Age”. The framework was supported by Vinamilk. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri Thuc, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized that amidst the rapid pace of national digital transformation, developing a secure and healthy digital ecosystem for children is just as critical as managing their physical health parameters.
The primary policy configurations, medical metrics, and strategic recommendations outlined by the Ministry of Health feature:
-
Comprehensive Digital Integration Philosophy: Executive leadership from the Ministry of Health stated that state bodies should not restrict children from accessing digital resources; instead, they must proactively equip them with digital literacy, critical thinking, and robust personal data privacy habits. Once adequately trained, technology will act as “wings” to help children expand their knowledge base, engage globally, and achieve comprehensive psychological and physiological growth.
-
Key Progress in Child Healthcare Programs: Over the recent period, the Ministry of Health has successfully synchronized major nationwide initiatives in partnership with local authorities and international organizations. Central operations include the Child Injury Prevention Program, the Program to Reduce Mortality in Children Under 5, and the Critical 1,000 Days Nutritional Program. These coordinated efforts have substantially improved baseline child health indicators and scaled up school healthcare models, routine screening for congenital defects, and mental health counseling.
-
Persistent Social and Epidemiological Challenges: Despite tracking positive outcomes, Deputy Minister Nguyen Tri Thuc highlighted ongoing critical vulnerabilities, noting recent serious cases of child abuse and violence, alongside the complex and painful trends of child drowning accidents. These realities demand immediate, highly targeted interventions from all social and political institutions.
-
Strategic Allocation of Healthcare Resources: Marking the Action Month, the Ministry of Health urged ministries and local authorities to prioritize healthcare investments targeting children in disadvantaged settings, remote mountainous areas, and island communities. The strategic focus is to ensure equitable and safe digital access across both urban and rural demographics. Furthermore, state agencies are urged to strictly prosecute individuals committing acts of violence or abuse against children.
Dr. Nguyen Tri Thuc concluded that this initiative must not be limited to a brief series of seasonal events, but rather serve as a sustainable, permanent commitment woven into the infrastructure of the entire society. Closing the summit, the Deputy Minister formally opened the Action Month for Children 2026, wishing the youth a safe, healthy, and meaningful summer season.