The above content is stated in the Circular guiding the National Target Program on health care, population and development for the period 2026-2035, phase I from 2026 to 2030.
Young people are equipped with knowledge before marriage
According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam's birth rate is currently about 1.93 children/woman. Meanwhile, Vietnamese people are getting married later and later. The age of first marriage increased from 25.2 years old in 2019 to 27.3 years old in 2024. In Ho Chi Minh City, this number reached 30.4 years old.
Financial pressure, desire to develop a career and difficulty in finding a partner are considered to be the reasons why many young people are reluctant to marry and have children. If low birth rates persist, Vietnam is at risk of labor shortages and faster population aging.
According to the new program, localities will strengthen communication, counseling and mobilization for men and women to marry before the age of 30. Young people are also encouraged to participate in pre-marital classes to equip themselves with knowledge about married life, reproductive health, pregnancy, childcare and raising, and family finance management.
It is expected that each year, about 20% of communes, wards, and special zones will organize at least one class or thematic activity for young people preparing to start a family.
10 localities encouraged to have two children
The Ministry of Health identified 10 localities with low birth rates to implement activities to mobilize and support couples to have enough two children, including: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Khanh Hoa, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long and Ca Mau.
The health sector will strengthen reproductive health counseling, communication about the benefits of having two children and support families to realize their desire to have and raise children.
Some financial support policies for children or women who give birth before the age of 35 are being studied separately, not the content of the recently issued Circular.
In addition to encouraging childbirth, the program also focuses on protecting fertility. The Ministry of Health will pilot infertility risk screening in communes with industrial parks in 10 provinces and cities with low birth rates.
Priority is given to couples who are married for more than 12 months but do not have children, especially those working in industrial parks. Early detection of the risk of infertility helps couples receive timely advice and intervention.
The Ministry of Health also plans to conduct surveys in 2027, 2029 and 2030 to find out the reasons why people are reluctant to have children, the number of children they want and the factors affecting their decision to have children.
Through solutions from encouraging marriage at an appropriate age, having two children to supporting pre-marital knowledge and reproductive health care, Vietnam aims to create more favorable conditions for young people to get married, have children and raise children.
