ASEAN initiates measures to protect children from harmful foods, beverages

A virtual ceremony was held in Bangkok, Thailand, to launch instructions and basic standards aimed at preventing the sale of food and alcoholic drinks harmful to children in the ASEAN region.
This initiative is developed to implement the ASEAN leaders’ declaration on the elimination of malnutrition. The Union Minister for Health, Dr Thet Khaing Win, delivered a video message to the ceremony.
During the event, the Thailand Minister of Public Health also delivered an opening video message, and the EAPRO Regional Director of UNICEF gave a welcome speech. Following this, Health Ministers from ASEAN countries delivered their respective opening speeches via video messages.
Union Minister Dr Thet Khaing Win expressed expectations for future ASEAN strategies, statements, and directions within the framework and action plan on nutrition. Cooperation with respective authorities is emphasized to eliminate nutritional deficiencies.
Then, nutritionists discussed the practicality of directions, basic standards, and guidelines to protect ASEAN children from the sale of harmful foods and beverages. WHO representatives, nutritionists, and UNICEF officials also attended the ceremony. — MNA/TRKM