Ho Chi Minh City is taking significant steps to address its declining birth rate through a new support initiative aimed at women under 35 who have given birth to two children. This initiative, part of the first statistical count to recognize and reward effective population management, is rooted in Resolution No. 40 issued by the City People's Council in late 2024.
According to Phạm Chánh Trung, the head of the city's Population Sub-Department, the resolution is designed to improve demographic trends in a city where the birth rate has been alarmingly low. In 2024, Ho Chi Minh City recorded a birth rate of just 1.39 children per woman, significantly below the national replacement rate of 2-2.1 children per woman. This trend, if it continues, could lead to serious consequences, including rapid aging of the population, labor shortages, and social welfare challenges.
As part of the new policy, women who give birth to two children before the age of 35 will receive a one-time financial support of 3 million VND (approximately $130). Additionally, pregnant women and newborns from poor and near-poor households, social protection beneficiaries, and those living in island communes will be eligible for 2 million VND when they undergo prenatal and newborn screenings. Specifically, the prenatal screening will be covered at a rate of 600,000 VND, newborn screening at 400,000 VND, and an additional cash support of 1 million VND.
This initiative is not only about financial support; it also aims to encourage family planning and improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. The screening programs are crucial, especially considering that the World Health Organization estimates that around 300,000 women die annually during pregnancy or childbirth, and more than 2 million newborns do not survive their first month.
In tandem with these direct supports, the resolution outlines rewards for communes that achieve specific demographic goals. For example, communes that maintain a birth rate where at least 60% of couples of reproductive age have two children will be rewarded with 30 million VND. Those that sustain this achievement for five consecutive years will receive 60 million VND. Furthermore, communes that successfully control gender imbalances at birth will receive 1 million VND.
These measures reflect a broader strategy to combat the demographic challenges facing Ho Chi Minh City. The local government has recognized that a low birth rate poses a threat not only to the economy but also to the social fabric of the community. The city is urbanizing rapidly, and without a sufficient population growth rate, it risks losing its vibrancy and economic dynamism.
In recent years, there have been various initiatives aimed at population control and family planning. Back in 2017, the City People's Council implemented a policy that rewarded communes with no women giving birth to a third child or more. Under that policy, units performing sterilization procedures were rewarded 30,000 VND per case, while IUD insertions garnered 10,000 VND. However, as the demographic landscape has changed, the city is now shifting its focus towards encouraging childbirth rather than restricting it.
To ensure the success of the new initiative, local authorities are actively informing residents about the eligibility criteria and benefits associated with the program. Phạm Chánh Trung emphasized the importance of outreach, stating that it is crucial for the community to understand the support available to them. This outreach effort aims to ensure that all eligible women are aware of their rights and benefits under the new resolution.
In addition to financial incentives, the program aims to create a supportive environment for families. By rewarding communes that foster a healthy demographic balance, the city hopes to cultivate a culture that values family growth and stability.
As Ho Chi Minh City moves forward with these initiatives, it faces the challenge of balancing urban growth with the need for a sustainable population. The city’s leadership is aware that addressing the low birth rate is not just about immediate financial support but also about fostering a long-term cultural shift towards family and community.
With the implementation of Resolution No. 40, Ho Chi Minh City is poised to make significant strides in reversing its declining birth rate. The focus on supporting young families and improving health outcomes for mothers and children reflects a commitment to building a robust future for the city’s population.
As the city embarks on this journey, it remains imperative for local leaders to monitor the effectiveness of these policies and adapt as necessary to ensure the well-being of its citizens. The outcomes of this initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar demographic challenges.
In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City's proactive approach to supporting families and encouraging childbirth is a critical step in addressing its demographic challenges. The success of this initiative may very well shape the future of the city and its residents.
