>> Vietnam targets accelerating promises in realising population and development goals
Under the theme “Vietnam and 25 years of implementing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD)’s Programme of Action,” the event highlighted the results Vietnam has achieved in the last 25 years since the ICPD held in Cairo in 1994 adopted the Programme of Action.
Speaking at the ceremony, National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu said that as a member of the UN participating in the conference, Vietnam not only actively participated in activities at the ICPD but also actively implemented and accomplished the important conference's objectives and action plan.
Luu affirmed that Vietnam soon achieved all the objectives set out in the ICPD Programme of Action, thus contributing significantly to its socio-economic development, national construction and defence, poverty reduction and improvement of the quality of life for its people, while making an important contribution to the successful implementation of the Millennium Development Goals that has been recognised by the international community.
The fertility rate has decreased sharply and reached the replacement level fertility (on average, each couple in reproductive age has 2.1 children) in 2006, 10 years earlier than the set target which has been maintained until now. Rapid population growth has been successfully controlled, with population structure witnessing positive changes. Vietnam has entered a period of a "golden" population structure, creating huge opportunities for rapid socio-economic development. Maternal and child health has improved markedly and life expectancy increased rapidly reaching 73.5 years. The human development index increased and reached the average global level.
Delegates discuss issues related to population and family planning in Vietnam and across Asia Pacific at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam is in the process of promoting industrialisation and modernisation in order to develop quickly and sustainably under the principle of inclusive development and leaving no one behind. In order to achieve the set objectives, there are still difficulties and challenges to be overcome in the short term, including large differences in fertility across regions, the emergence of excessive fertility reduction in some areas, gender imbalance at birth and population aging.
NA Deputy Chairman Luu called on the relevant authorities to pay more attention to the leadership, direction and investment in population work, with suitable plans to the specific situation of each sector and locality to realise the population goals and tasks.
He also asked the Ministry of Health and its General Department of Population and Family Planning to consolidate their apparatus and personnel towards streamlining and partaking in effective operations to actively advise the Party and State on developing policies and plans on population, while implementing well the current set strategies.
The UN Resident Coordinator In Vietnam, Kamal Malhotra, affirmed that UN organisations in Vietnam are committed to join hands to support the nation in ensuring all people have universal access to healthcare services, including reproductive and sexual health services, while also ensuring the exercise of rights for everyone, so that no one is left behind.
Delegates at the event also discussed issues related to population and family planning in Vietnam and across Asia Pacific.
