# Vietnam national population and fertility policy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-national-population-and-fertility-policy
> Updated: 2026-10-09T01:57:02.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 5.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is implementing a national program for 2026–2035 to address declining fertility and an aging population. Recent data indicates the total fertility rate (TFR) remains below the replacement level of 2.1. While the TFR was recorded at 1.91 in 2024, it saw a slight increase to 1.93 in 2025, though it continues a downward trend from 2.11 in 2021.

Significant regional disparities have emerged. Urban areas face critically low fertility, with Ho Chi Minh City recording 1.51 children per woman and the national urban TFR at 1.67. Conversely, rural areas maintain a higher rate of 2.08, with Dien Bien province reporting the highest at 2.91.

To combat these trends, the Ministry has proposed a draft circular to provide practical support, including financial aid or in-kind benefits for pregnant women, infertility screening costs, and support for children up to 12 months of age. Vulnerable groups in poor, mountainous, or ethnic minority areas may receive expanded assistance, such as prenatal screening and travel subsidies. 

To address gender imbalance, the proposal includes rewards for families with at least two daughters under age 16 who meet specific health and education criteria. Le Thanh Dung, Director of the Department of Population, stated the policy aims to “elevate the status of girls and move the sex ratio toward a natural balance” rather than encouraging families to choose girls over boys. Experts note that policy shifts must address economic pressures such as housing, healthcare, and education to maintain sustainable fertility levels.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Vietnam faces demographic challenges as fertility rates fall below replacement level

Vietnam's fertility rate remains below the 2.1 replacement level, with urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City seeing significant declines. Policy is shifting toward practical support to address economic pressures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-faces-demographic-challenges-as-fertility-rates-fall-below-replacement-level

### 2026-10-01: Vietnam Ministry of Health proposes birth incentives

Vietnam's Ministry of Health proposes financial and in-kind support to boost birth rates and address gender imbalance, including incentives for families with at least two daughters under 16.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-health-proposes-birth-incentives

### 2026-09-15: Vietnam Ministry of Health advises having two children before age 35

Vietnam's Ministry of Health is advising couples to have two children before age 35 to combat declining fertility rates and the long-term risks of population aging.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-health-advises-having-two-children-before-age-35

### 2026-09-09: Vietnam Ministry of Health encourages marriage before age 30

Vietnam's Ministry of Health is encouraging citizens to marry before 30 and have two children to combat low fertility rates and rapid population aging in key provinces.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-health-encourages-marriage-before-age-30

### 2026-08-14: Vietnam Ministry of Health proposes age limits for organ donation

Vietnam's Ministry of Health proposes that individuals aged 18-25 may only donate living organs to family members to prevent trafficking and address developmental concerns.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-health-proposes-age-limits-for-organ-donation

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Cite as: Vietnam national population and fertility policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-national-population-and-fertility-policy