The WHO/UNICEF Regional Child Survival Strategy, which was launched in May this year, provides sustained action for Vietnam to achieve national targets as set in the Millennium Development Goals, that is, to reduce by two thirds the under-five mortality rate between 1990 and 2015. It also advocates approaches that give every child the same chance for healthcare and survival.

The two-day workshop reviewed Vietnam's childcare system and discussed recommendations for enhancing childcare programmes nationwide. A national action plan in this field is expected to be developed.

The Health Ministry repeats that Vietnam has achieved considerable success in reducing child mortality by 15 percent since 1993 and the under-five child malnutrition rate by 10 percent from 1999 to approximately 27 percent at present. There is still a considerable difference between regions in Vietnam in terms of access to childcare services.