Vietnam Proposes Honoring Couples with Two Children Amidst Declining Birth Rates

The Ministry of Health has proposed a policy to honor and commend couples who have two children in 10 provinces and cities with low birth rates, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho. This initiative is one of the measures aimed at curbing Vietnam's record-low fertility rate and encouraging citizens to have children. The proposal is included in a draft circular guiding the implementation of the National Target Program on Health Care, Population, and Development for the period 2026-2035, for which the Ministry of Health is currently soliciting feedback. The 10 targeted provinces and cities are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Tay Ninh, Khanh Hoa, Dong Nai, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Ca Mau. Notably, five provinces and cities—Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Can Tho, Ca Mau, and Vinh Long—have the lowest birth rates nationwide, with 1.43 to 1.6 children per woman. Ho Chi Minh City, even after merging with neighboring districts, maintains the lowest rate at 1.43 children per woman. In the northern region, Hanoi is the only locality with a birth rate below two children per woman, at 1.86 children per woman. According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam's average fertility rate is currently 1.91 children per woman, placing it among the top five lowest in Southeast Asia. While higher than the regional average of 2.0 children per woman, it is still a cause for concern when compared to Brunei (1.8), Malaysia (1.6), Thailand, and Singapore (1.0). Experts attribute Vietnam's low birth rate to various factors, including work pressure, financial difficulties, career prioritization, and changing social perceptions. A low birth rate has profound implications for the population structure, leading to a decline in the working-age population, accelerating aging, and negatively impacting overall population size. Without timely intervention, Vietnam could face a "population collapse," paralyzing its economy. Vietnam's population strategy until 2030 aims to firmly maintain the replacement level fertility rate, which is an average of 2.1 children per woman of reproductive age. To achieve this, the Ministry of Health has previously proposed various policies, such as abolishing the criterion for reducing the third child and encouraging women to marry before 30 and have their second child before 35. The current draft proposes launching a movement to encourage couples to have two children, coupled with activities to honor exemplary couples who adhere to population policies. At the central level, the movement is expected to be launched nationwide in 2027 and 2029, with recognition for outstanding collectives and individuals. At the local level, these activities will be organized annually. In addition to the launch ceremonies, localities will organize seminars, policy dialogues, contests, and specialized consultations, along with other communication methods, to spread the message about the benefits of having two children and contribute to maintaining the replacement fertility rate. Annually, approximately 50% of communes and wards in low-birth rate areas will organize at least one communication activity or launch a movement to encourage having two children. The program also includes inspection, monitoring, and technical support to ensure effective implementation. The Ministry of Health hopes that the combination of communication, honoring families with two children, and raising community awareness will help reverse the declining birth rate trend in many localities. The draft also proposes organizing courses on marriage and family for young people nearing marriage and providing health insurance support for families with two daughters. Source: VnExpress