1.       Department name: Planning section

2.       History of the establishment of general planning department

General Planning Department was one of the first departments established at the inception of the National Institute of Nutrition. Throughout the Institute’s development, the Department has been assigned various functions and tasks. In the first 20 years, the Department was responsible for planning, general coordination, scientific management, specialized technical direction, and international cooperation.

Later, with the establishment of specialized functional departments, several tasks were reassigned: scientific research management was transferred to the Department of Science Management and Training in 2000; the specialized direction and the secretariat of the child malnutrition prevention project were transferred to the Community Nutrition Department in August 2002, and subsequently to the Department of Provincial Coordination in September 2005.

In September 2008, General Planning Department was merged with the Department of Medical Equipment and Supplies to form the Planning and Supplies Department. The international cooperation division of the Planning Department and the administrative division of the Supplies Department were transferred to the Department of Organization and Administration. In November 2010, the General Planning Department was re-established, comprising the Planning and International Cooperation Divisions.

From 2011 to the present, the Department has continued to serve as a functional unit with two main responsibilities: general coordination and international cooperation. As of April 2024, its formal mandate includes general coordination and international cooperation, pursuant to Decision No. 91/QĐ-BYT dated April 10, 2024.  

The General Planning Department currently has a team of 8 staff members, including 1 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), 5 Masters, 1 Doctor of Preventive Medicine, and 1 Bachelor of Nutrition.

The Department is structured into two functional units: the Planning and Coordination Unit, and the International Cooperation Unit.

General Planning Department staff

3.       Functions and responsibilities

The department performs its functions as a professional and operational unit focusing on strategic planning, coordination, progress monitoring, and proposing solutions to effectively implement assigned tasks. It coordinates the implementation of activities within its assigned scope, including international cooperation (Decision No. 91/QĐ-BYT dated April 10th, 2024).

According to Decision No. 05/QĐ-VDD dated January 4th, 2016, the department's key responsibilities include:

-         Leading and coordinating with relevant units to develop and submit annual plans for the Institute Director within its scope of function, tasks and authority.

-         Participating in the development, appraisal, and approval of activity proposals, detailed budgets, and final activity reports.

-         Monitoring, urging, and supervising the implementation of activities to ensure alignment with approved objectives, content, and budgets.

-         Compiling reports and preparing periodic, ad hoc, and stage-based action plans based on assigned functions and tasks.

-         Handling protocol and external affairs, monitoring activities involving international guests working with the Institute, and assisting with immigration procedures.

-         Performing other tasks assigned by the Institute's leadership.

4.       Key Achievements of the General Planning Department

-         From 1982 to 1989, the department actively participated in managing and supporting FAO and UNICEF aid projects, especially the PAM 2651 project implemented in eight provinces from 1983 to 1989.

-         Between 1995 and 2000, the department was involved in managing and supporting the National Plan of Action for Nutrition (1995–2000) and the State-level research project KH-11-09 (1997–2000).

-         During 2001–2010, the department was the focal point in successfully organizing the “International Consultation on Vitamin A”—the first international nutrition conference held in Vietnam. It also served as the secretariat for the National Nutrition Strategy for 2001–2010.

-         From 2011 to 2025, the department has acted as the coordinating unit for the National Nutrition Strategy 2021–2030 with a vision to 2045, the secretariat for the National Target Program for Sustainable Poverty Reduction, and the focal point for developing nutrition components within the National Target Program on Health, Healthcare, and Population for 2026–2045. It has also coordinated both international and domestic cooperation, serving as the focal point for UNICEF and WHO collaborative projects.

5.       Accomplishments

The Department’s staff have consistently strived to fulfill their assigned duties, working closely with other departments to effectively implement annual plans. The team has made meaningful contributions to supporting the Institute’s activities as required by leadership, ensuring both professional quality and progress timelines. With strong support from the Institute's leadership, the department has operated in a favorable working environment, with tasks well-matched to staff capabilities. This supportive environment has contributed significantly to both individual and collective achievements. The department’s personnel are known for their enthusiasm, dedication, high sense of responsibility, honesty, and eagerness to learn and improve.

As a result of these efforts, the Department has received multiple awards for excellence in performance, including Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Health in 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018–2019, 2020–2021, and 2022–2023. It was also recognized as an “Outstanding Labor Collective” for nine consecutive years from 2016 through 2024. From 2016 to 2024, one to two staff members from the department were annually awarded the title of “Grassroots Emulation Fighter.”

6.       Mission and vision for 2025–2030

The General Planning Department will actively contribute to fulfilling the strategic mission of the National Institute of Nutrition during the 2025–2030 period. Aligned with the Institute’s development direction and vision, the department remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities effectively. It aims to maintain a streamlined, efficient operational structure and a competent, resilient workforce that positively contributes to strengthening the position and reputation of the Institute.

7.       Development objectives for 2025–2030

During 2025–2030, the Department is determined to preserving the proud traditions and achievements established by previous and current generations. It will also promote innovation and dynamism of future staff to excel in accomplishing its strategic goals and contribute meaningfully to enhancing the role, position, and reputation of the National Institute of Nutrition.

8.       Some photos of the Department’s history and activities

Prof. Tu Giay and the Board of Directors working with the General Planning Department during its early days in 1981.

Staff and employees of the General Planning Department at the ceremony where
Prof. Từ Giấy was awarded the title “Labor Hero” in July 2000

Staff and employees of the General Planning Department and the National Institute of Nutrition at the International Consultation Conference on Vitamin A, February 2001

Staff of the General Planning Department at the Staff Conference and the 25th
Anniversary Celebration of the Institute, 2004

Staff of the General Planning Department together with the Institute’s leadership receiving the “Labor Hero” title at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Institute, 2010

Staff and employees of the General Planning Department attending the ceremony announcing the conferment of Professor title to the Institute Director by Griffith University, 2024

Staff and employees of the General Planning Department at the cultural performance celebrating the 69th anniversary of Vietnamese Doctors’ Day, 2024

Staff and employees of the General Planning Department congratulating the success of the Planning and Procurement Party Cell Congress for the 2025 –2027 term.