Health ministry launches national action month on population
The Ministry of Health’s General Office for Population Family Planning held a meeting to launch the National Action Month on Population on December 9.
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| A parade is held as part of the launching of the National Action Month on Population (Photo: laodongthudo) |
Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien said on average, about 1.5% – 2% of Vietnamese newborns in a year, equaling 22,000 – 30,000 babies, have birth defects.
The General Office for Population Family Planning has implemented a prenatal and newborn health screening programme that has spread nationwide. To date, approximately 25% of pregnant women and 35% of babies have received early diagnoses and treatment.
Addressing the meeting, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh praised the health body’s efforts and achievements in population planning and urged state agencies, sectors and citizens to support and participate in the programme.
On October 25, the 12th Party Central Committee issued Resolution 21/NQ-TW, which set out a 2030 goal of having 70% of pregnant women and 90% of newborns respectively screened for at least four and five popular diseases.
