Vietnam launches campaign to boost children's height aiming for top Southeast Asian rankings by 2045

On May 12, 2026, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, together with the People newspaper, held a launch ceremony at Hoang Dieu Elementary School in Hanoi for the "For Healthier and Taller Generations" (Vietnamese: "Vì một kỷ nguyên cao khỏe") campaign. More than 1,000 students, parents and experts participated.

The program targets children aged six to twelve and seeks to raise awareness of nutrition, daily physical activity, adequate sleep and proper scientific childcare. It aims to raise the average stature of Vietnamese youth so that by 2045 the country ranks among the top‑performing nations in Southeast Asia for height and health. Currently, Vietnam ranks fourth in the region, 153rd globally, with 19‑year‑old men placed 154th and women 146th out of 201 nations.

Deputy head Nguyen Nho Huy of the Ministry of Education and Training said achieving the 2045 vision will require sustained investment from central and local governments and participation from the private sector. Plans include expanding school‑meal coverage (currently 97% of preschools and about 55% of general schools), updating national dietary guidelines through 2030, and introducing basic gymnastics in kindergartens and primary schools. Experts highlighted that nutrition accounts for roughly 32% of height potential, and that early‑life interventions can improve up to 75% of a child’s height potential.

The campaign also introduces an online WHO‑standard growth‑monitoring tool for parents and distributes manuals, videos and exercise guides to support healthier development.