Ho Chi Minh City Charts Progress on Population Goals, Faces Ongoing Challenges in 2025
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A recent conference highlighted significant strides in Ho Chi Minh City’s demographic work, even as officials acknowledge persistent hurdles in boosting birth rates and expanding healthcare access for the elderly. The meeting, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department on December 27, coincided with National Population Action Month and the 64th anniversary of Vietnam Population Day (December 26).
The city has demonstrated “remarkable results” in its population initiatives, despite facing “many difficulties and challenges,” according to statements made at the conference. Demographic work is viewed as a critical component of national security and long-term economic prosperity. A senior official stressed that addressing demographic priorities is “of paramount importance to stabilize the size and structure of the population, contribute to economic growth and sustainably improve the quality of the population and human resources.”
Key Achievements in 2025
Ho Chi Minh City has made notable progress in several key areas. The city celebrated the successes of a photo competition, “Family with two children, accomplished happiness,” and an online contest, “Discovering knowledge on population and development,” both held in 2025. Furthermore, the Population Sub-Department provided premarital health check-ups to 121 couples from disadvantaged backgrounds, expanding access to vital healthcare services.
2025 is a particularly significant year for the city’s demographic work, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Crucially, it also marks the first time the National Assembly has adopted a comprehensive Population Law, signaling a major shift towards a “Population and Development” framework.
Thanks to collaborative efforts across the political system and broad public support, the city has largely met its objectives, including:
- Stabilizing population size.
- Initiating an upward trend in fertility rates.
- Maintaining a balanced sex ratio at birth.
- Improving the quality of life from early childhood through robust interventions.
- Strengthening healthcare for the elderly.
- Integrating demographic factors into broader socio-economic development strategies.
Persistent Challenges and Future Priorities
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Ho Chi Minh City’s fertility rate continues to lag behind the national average, representing a sustained period of low birth rates. Additionally, targets for health examinations for the elderly have not yet been fully met, and current investment resources are deemed insufficient to address the growing needs of the aging population.
Dr. Phạm Vu Hoàng, Deputy Director General of the Population Department (Ministry of Health), acknowledged Ho Chi Minh City’s successes as the nation’s leading economic, cultural, and educational hub. However, he emphasized the need for strengthened policies to promote childbirth and ensure a robust future workforce. Maintaining existing prenatal and neonatal screening programs, alongside expanded health examinations for seniors, is also crucial for improving overall population quality and adapting to an aging demographic.
Demographic Indicators Show Positive Trends
Data released during the conference revealed encouraging trends in key demographic indicators for 2025:
- Total fertility rate: Reached 1.51 children per woman, an increase from 1.45 in 2024.
- Prenatal screening rate: Reached 82.18% among pregnant women, exceeding the target of 82%.
- Newborn screening rate: Reached 85.15%, surpassing the goal of 85%.
- Sex ratio at birth: Remained balanced at 106.5 boys per 100 girls.
- Premarital health checks: Completed for 1,416 young couples.
- Average life expectancy: Estimated at 76.7 years.
- Elderly medical monitoring: 270,731 elderly individuals benefited from periodic medical monitoring.
These figures demonstrate a commitment to proactive population management and improved healthcare outcomes. However, continued investment and strategic policy adjustments will be essential to address ongoing challenges and ensure a sustainable future for Ho Chi Minh City.
Text and photos: Quang Chau/CVN
