Vietnam works to ensure access to health services for pregnant women
VOV.VN - The country is sparing no effort to provide equal access to health services for all pregnant women to ensure public health whilst narrowing the socio-economic gap.
This goal was put forth at a meeting held on July 11 in Hanoi organized by the Ministry of Health and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to mark World Population Day on July 11.
The event is designed to review global progress in carrying out commitments related to sexual and reproductive health and rights and to discuss priorities for addressing outstanding issues amid rapidly changing demographics worldwide, including those occurring in Vietnam.
Minister of Health and Standing Deputy Head of the National Committee for Population and Development Dao Hong Lan underlined the importance of achieving the goals of Resolution No. 21 of the Party, the Vietnam Population Strategy to 2030, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals of Vietnam and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.
To mark this year’s World Population Day, the Ministry chose the theme of "Investing in Population Work is Investing in Sustainable Development", calling on all levels, sectors, international organisations, and development partners to continue focusing on and investing in the nation’s population work, thereby contributing to the country's rapid and sustainable development.
Pauline Fatima Tamesis, resident coordinator for the UN in Vietnam, emphasised the need for urgent and decisive action to ensure that all women have access to essential care services during pregnancy and childbirth. Investing in reproductive and sexual health is therefore an investment in ending poverty and inequality, she said.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the maternal mortality ratio has dropped by 61% since 2000, thereby marking the most significant reduction recorded over recent years. More children are being born with the assistance of skilled health personnel, whilst the number of adolescents giving birth has nearly halved since 2000. Besides, 32 countries and territories in the region have conducted at least one survey on gender-based violence.
Over the past three decades, the nation has stepped up efforts aimed at resolving inequality and narrowing the socioeconomic gap between regions and population groups.
As a result, the Human Development Index has enjoyed remarkable improvements, reaching an average level compared to other nations globally. Significant improvements include the reduction in malnutrition and maternal and child mortality rates.
The maternal mortality rate has fallen sixfold over the past 30 years, dropping from 233 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to approximately 40 per 100,000 live births in recent years. Life expectancy has also seen a sharp increase, leaping from 65.5 years in 1993 to 74.5 years in 2023, thereby surpassing that of many countries with similar average income levels.
