Vietnam is preparing to roll out an unprecedented nationwide policy that would provide financial support for prenatal and newborn screening to all pregnant women and infants, marking a significant shift in the country’s public health approach.

The proposal is outlined in a draft decree detailing the implementation of several provisions under the Law on Population, recently submitted by the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Justice for appraisal. It is expected to be presented to the Government before April 30.

From targeted support to universal coverage

At present, support for screening services is limited to vulnerable groups, including low-income households, beneficiaries of social protection programs, and residents in disadvantaged, ethnic minority, mountainous, border and island areas.

These groups are currently eligible for prenatal screening covering four conditions and newborn screening for five diseases.

Under the proposed decree, the scope would be expanded to include all pregnant women and newborns nationwide from January 1, 2027, following a phased implementation roadmap.

Pregnant women would be screened for four key conditions: Edwards syndrome, Down syndrome, Patau syndrome and thalassemia.

Newborns would undergo screening for five major conditions: congenital hypothyroidism, G6PD deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hearing loss and severe congenital heart defects.

Financial support and national budget impact

The draft proposes that prenatal screening costs be reimbursed based on actual expenses, capped at VND900,000 per case (US$37). Newborn screening costs would also be covered based on actual expenses, with a maximum of VND600,000 per case (US$25).

Total state funding required for the program is estimated at more than VND2.003 trillion per year (US$82 million).

Health authorities estimate that Vietnam records over 1.48 million births annually, with more than 40,000 newborns affected by congenital conditions - accounting for about 3% of all births.

Each year, around 1,700 newborn deaths are attributed to congenital anomalies, representing 11% of total neonatal mortality.

A preventive approach to long-term health

The Ministry of Health noted that the actual number of congenital conditions may be significantly higher. According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 7,000 different congenital disorders worldwide, many of which are genetic or partially genetic in origin.

However, screening programs in Vietnam currently cover only a limited number of the most common conditions.

Expanding access to prenatal and newborn screening is expected to help detect risks early, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and reduce long-term treatment costs for families and society.

The policy is also seen as a step toward ensuring healthier births, supporting family stability and strengthening the country’s broader healthcare system.

A phased rollout is proposed, with priority given to vulnerable groups from July 1 to December 31, 2026, before full nationwide implementation begins in 2027.

Vo Thu