1. Name of the Unit: Division of Nutritional Network Coordination

2. History of Establishment and Development

Since its inception, the National Institute of Nutrition has pplaced great emphasis and directly overseen grassroots coordination activities. In its early years, these activities were carried out through various projects under the Planning and General Department.In 2005, the Department of Grassroots Coordination was officially established by Decision No. 240/QD-TCHC dated September 1, 2005. From its foundation, the department prioritized activities including the Pediatric Pediatric Energy Malnutrition(PEM) prevention program, the Vitamin A Deficiency Prevention Program, food hygiene and safety initiatives, and collaboration with UNICEF to deliver multi-micronutrient supplementation to women and children.

From 2008 to 2013:

The department concentrated on two main activities: the Child Malnutrition Prevention Program (renamed in 2013 as the Child Nutrition Improvement Project) and the National Nutrition Strategy. In addition, it carried out various cooperative initiatives with UNICEF, ADB, HKI, and World Vision, focusing on multi-micronutrient supplementation, food security, and training of grassroots-level personnel.

From 2014 to 2020:

The department focused on grassroots coordination through collaboration with departments, centers, and programs to conduct training and capacity building for nutrition staff and to strengthen the primary healthcare network in implementing community nutrition, clinical nutrition, and food safety initiatives.

It conducted monitoring and support for provinces in implementing national preventive health standards and using standard checklists for provincial Centers for Disease Control (CDCs).

Participated in the development and review of policy documents and materials related to nutrition issued by the government, ministries, the Ministry of Health, and related institutes, universities.

Acted as the focal point for tracking and reporting activities related to the National Nutrition Strategy, coordinating with ministries and international organizations (such as the SUN, UNICEF, WHO, FAO) to promote nutrition initiatives in Vietnam. In 2015 and 2020, the department evaluated and reported on the implementation of the National Nutrition Strategy for the 2011–2020 period.

In addition, the department has been involved in scientific research, including 3 state-level projects, 1 ministerial-level project, 9 institutional-level projects, and has published 58 scientific articles domestically and internationally. It also participated in teaching and training nutrition professionals. From 2014 to 2020, the department was awarded the title of "Outstanding Labor Collective" by the Minister of Health and received three certificates of merit from the Ministry of Health.

3. Functions and Responsibilities

3.1. Function

The department serves as the focal point for directing and coordinating professional activities for lower-level units under the Institute of Nutrition. It assists the Institute Director in developing the network and guiding the implementation of professional and technical activities in the fields of Nutrition and Food Safety.

3.2. Responsibilities:

3.2.1. Develop the nutrition and food safety implementation network:

- Train and educate grassroots staff in nutrition and food knowledge, as well as in skills for managing and organizing nutrition and food safety activities at the community level.

- Participate in building and strengthening organizational structures and human resources at lower levels to develop a community nutrition network and clinical-nutrition systems in hospitals.

- Strengthen cooperation within and beyond the health sector, and across various levels of government, to support the development and enhancement of the nutrition network.

3.2.2. Focal point for directing and coordinating nutrition and food safety activities at the grassroots level:

- Coordinate with professional units within the Institute to guide and manage the implementation of nutrition and food safety activities at the grassroots level, including: community nutrition, clinical nutrition and counseling, training, communication and education, food hygiene and safety, etc.

- Supervise, inspect, and evaluate the implementation of technical procedures by the nutrition network; update information and propose timely adjustments and support in both organizational and legal frameworks to improve the quality of professional activities at the grassroots level.

3.2.3. Perform other tasks assigned by the Institute Director

- Act as the focal point for developing and implementing the National Nutrition Strategy and coordinating intersectoral nutrition activities.

- Participate in scientific research and international cooperation (e.g., the SUN, Nutrition Cluster, etc.).