China to expand childcare and pediatric services to boost birth rates

China is implementing new measures to support birth rates by improving the accessibility and affordability of childcare services. Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission, announced that efforts will focus on the integrated development of kindergartens and nursery centers to ensure facilities are located near homes or workplaces.

To reduce the financial burden on families, the government is expanding pediatric care at the community level. By the end of this year, 1,000 additional community medical institutions are expected to offer pediatric services, aiming for over 95 percent coverage in township-level clinics and community health centers. Additionally, over 3,000 pediatricians have been deployed from higher-level hospitals to grassroots institutions.

Under the framework of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China aims to strengthen maternal and child health safety. Specific targets for 2030 include reducing the maternal mortality rate to below 12 per 100,000 live births and the infant mortality rate to below 3.5 per 1,000 live births. The strategy also includes a nationwide childcare subsidy program and expanded coverage for HPV vaccinations.