The initiative is included in a newly issued circular guiding the implementation of several components of the National Target Program on Healthcare, Population and Development for 2026-2035, with its first phase running from 2026 to 2030. The circular was issued on Sept. 8.

According to the ministry, the 10 provinces and cities with fertility rates below the national average are Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, Dong Nai, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Tay Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City.

Fertility rates in the 10 localities in 2024

In 2024, Hanoi recorded a total fertility rate of 1.86 children per woman, followed by Khanh Hoa at 1.82, Dong Nai at 1.79, An Giang at 1.74, Dong Thap at 1.71, Vinh Long at 1.6, Ca Mau at 1.58, Can Tho at 1.55, Tay Ninh at 1.52 and Ho Chi Minh City at 1.43.

The ministry has tasked the Population Department with organizing nationwide rallies in 2027 and 2029 to launch the “have two children” campaign and recognize exemplary individuals and groups.

Local authorities will also organize communication contests and festivals, seminars, educational campaigns, counseling sessions, thematic talks and policy dialogues for young men and women and young married couples.

Each year, provincial and municipal health departments will select 50% of communes and wards to implement campaigns encouraging individuals and couples to have two children, particularly encouraging women to have their second child before the age of 35. Organizations and individuals with notable achievements in implementing the policy will also be recognized, honored and rewarded.

Surveys to examine desired family size and factors shaping decisions

The Health Ministry’s newly issued guidance also calls for surveys into the factors influencing decisions about whether to have children and the desired number of children among married couples and young men and women.

The surveys will also examine population size and the relationship between fertility and development, among other issues. They are scheduled for 2027, 2029 and 2030.

The ministry will also conduct a Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in 2027-2028. Data collected will cover household characteristics, demographics, reproductive and sexual health, family planning, maternal and child health, fertility, desired family size and related issues.

The measures come after years of declining fertility in Vietnam. The country’s fertility rate stood at 1.91 children per woman in 2024 and edged up to 1.93 in 2025, but remained below the replacement level of 2.1.

Vietnam’s fertility decline is increasingly widespread, including in areas that previously recorded high birth rates. In many major urban and economically developed areas, particularly the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions, fertility has remained very low for years.

The costs of raising children, housing pressures, employment concerns and difficulties balancing work with family life have led many couples to delay having children or decide against parenthood.

The Population Department recently said five localities have introduced financial incentives and other support policies to encourage families to have two children and help maintain replacement-level fertility.

Ho Chi Minh City provides a one-off payment of around $190 to women who have two children before turning 35, while Hai Phong offers around $114, Tay Ninh about $76, and Dong Nai and Dong Thap approximately $38.

Some localities have also introduced rewards for communes and wards where at least 60% of couples of reproductive age have two children for three or five consecutive years.

Tay Ninh offers the largest rewards, ranging from approximately $7,600 to $11,400. Ho Chi Minh City provides around $1,140-$2,280, Dong Thap about $1,140-$1,900 and Dong Nai roughly $760-$1,520.

The Health Ministry aims to increase Vietnam’s total fertility rate by an average of 2% annually, equivalent to nearly four additional births for every 100 women of reproductive age, with the goal of restoring the country’s fertility rate to replacement level by 2030.

Vo Thu