Vietnam Ministry of Health encourages marriage before age 30

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has issued new guidelines as part of a national program for health care, population, and development for the 2026–2035 period. The initiative aims to address declining fertility rates and an aging population by encouraging men and women to marry before the age of 30 and ensuring couples have at least two children.

Targeted efforts will focus on 10 provinces and cities with low birth rates, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Ministry noted that Vietnam's fertility rate has dropped to 1.93 children per woman, placing it among the lower groups in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the average age of first marriage has risen from 25.2 in 2019 to 27.3 in 2024.

To support these goals, the Ministry plans to provide educational resources on marriage, reproductive health, pregnancy, childcare, and family financial management. The program also emphasizes proactive screening and prevention of infertility within the community to mitigate the long-term economic and social impacts of a shrinking workforce and rapid population aging.