The eating plan is expected to raise teaching staffs and parents’ awareness of non-communicable diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
As per the plan, schools will strive to reduce key modifiable risk factors for NCDs such as obesity, using alcohol and soft drinks, smoking, eating less vegetables and fruits and lack of physical activities, highlighting the need for the policy to reduce prevalence rates and ameliorate rising levels of NCDs.
In the coming time, the Department of Education and Training in HCMC will liaise with the health sector and culture sector to spread the information of the diseases in various forms including in extra-activities, bulletins, and competitions.
Additionally, the inter-departments will print a document on dietary patterns, reducing obese students and controlling noncommunicable diseases.
The education sector has taken heed to encourage students no to use soft drinks and unhealthy food as well as oppose sales of tobacco and alcohol in schools.