Speaking at a meeting to mark World Population Day in Hanoi on July 11, the Minister highlighted key achievements, noting that Vietnam’s average life expectancy has risen to 74.7 years as of 2024, considerably higher than countries with comparable income levels. Improvements have also been recorded in reproductive health services, family planning, pre-marital and prenatal counseling, neonatal screening, and elderly care.

However, alongside these achievements, she said, Vietnam faces several emerging demographic challenges that may hinder long-term sustainable development.

Among the most pressing concerns is the declining fertility rate, which has dropped to its lowest level in history, from 2.01 children per woman in 2022 to 1.91 in 2024. If this trend persists, it could lead to future labour shortages and heightened socio-economic pressures, she said.

In parallel, Vietnam is undergoing rapid population aging, placing increased demands on the healthcare system and social welfare infrastructure.

Despite some progress in recent years, the sex ratio at birth remains imbalanced, at 111.4 boys per 100 girls in 2024, according to the latest Population Change Survey. Early marriages and teenage pregnancies, particularly in the Central Highlands and Northern Midland regions, are also prevalent, with 21.9% involving child or consanguineous marriages.

To address these challenges, the National Assembly Standing Committee recently adopted the Revised Population Ordinance, affirming the right of individuals and couples to reproductive autonomy. From now on, couples are entitled to decide on the number, timing, and spacing of children, based on health, education, employment, and living conditions.

Minister Lan also announced that the ministry is actively developing the Population Law and a National Target Programme on Healthcare, Population, and Development for 2026–2035, aiming to ensure social welfare, health equity, and sustainable development, with a human-centred approach.

She urged ministries, sectors, and local authorities to continue prioritising population work, including budget allocation and policy support, especially amid changes to local government structures. She also called for coordinated efforts in drafting the new Population Law and implementing the national programme.

Taking the floor, Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in expanding access to quality reproductive healthcare, comprehensive sexuality education, and enhancing data systems for informed decision-making.

Meanwhile, Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, presented findings from the State of World Population Report 2025, commending Vietnam’s progress in protecting reproductive rights. He emphasised that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring reproductive autonomy, which in turn empowers families, supports gender equality, and unlocks demographic potential.

As Vietnam confronts low fertility, population aging, and evolving development demands, it continues to seek international cooperation and technical assistance to craft and implement an effective population strategy for the decades ahead.

Vietnam faces rapid population ageing with major social and economic implications

VOV.VN - The country is undergoing one of the fastest rates of population ageing in Asia, with 16.1 million people, making up 16% of the national population, now aged 60 and over, according to the Ministry of Health.