VOV.VN - Vietnam is entering one of the world’s fastest aging phases, straining its welfare, health care, and economy. Yet, experts believe proper planning can turn this challenge into an opportunity for sustainable social reform.

Vietnam is considering relaxing its two-child policy due to a low birth rate, one of the lowest in Southeast Asia.

VOV.VN - The Political Bureau’s recent decision not to discipline Party members who have a third child or more is expected to help increase the total fertility rate nationwide and align with both the country’s demographic realities and its sustainable development needs.

The country's birth rate has reached an all-time low, estimated at 1.96 children per woman in 2023, with forecasts suggesting further declines.

The average fertility rate per woman of childbearing age in Ho Chi Minh City has decreased to 1.32 from last year’s 1.42, the HCM City Department of Health said on July 8.

VOV.VN - Vietnam faces a significantly imbalanced sex ratio at birth (SRB) which could mean that by the year 2034, approximately 1.5 million men will not be able to marry, and the figure is expected to increase to 2.5 million by 2059.