Lower birth rates persist as the lowest in Vietnam's cities, regardless of the post-merger surge

Ho Chi Minh City (HCM City) is taking a proactive approach to address its persistently low birth rate, which is the lowest in Vietnam with a total fertility rate (TFR) of approximately 1.43 children per woman as of 2025 [1]. The city has implemented a wide range of policy measures aimed at encouraging childbirth and supporting families in having more children.

The key measures include financial incentives, educational support, investment in maternal and child healthcare, public communication campaigns, community outreach, and commune-level rewards [1]. For instance, women who have two children before the age of 35 are entitled to a one-time cash incentive of VND3 million (approximately US$115) [3]. The city also offers free tuition for all students across education levels, reducing the financial burden on families [1].

In addition, the city is investing heavily in maternal and child healthcare services to ensure better health outcomes [1]. Public communication campaigns are being intensified using multiple platforms like television, radio, cinema trailers, music, LED displays in malls, and digital screens in public transport and health clinics to promote positive attitudes towards having two children [1]. The city has also deployed nearly 19,392 population collaborators to manage demographic data and engage in grassroots promotion of childbirth [1].

Communes where at least 60% of couples have two children receive VND30 million, and those sustaining this for five consecutive years get VND60 million as community-level incentives to promote population growth [3]. These measures aim not only to provide financial support and reduce the economic burden on families but also to shift social perceptions and encourage informed reproductive choices [1].

The city's approach emphasizes enabling people with resources and information rather than coercing fertility, reflecting a respect for reproductive rights while addressing demographic challenges [1]. A long-term public health roadmap through 2030 has been approved, focusing on reversing fertility decline while upholding individual reproductive rights [2].

Before the administrative merger with Bình Dương and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu provinces, HCM City's TFR was 1.39 [2]. The city continues to record the lowest birth rate in Vietnam. Only Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and HCM City report lower TFRs in Southeast Asia [2].

As the city's population ages, with 10.5% of the population being over 60 [1], and the working-age population being 70.6% [1], these measures aim to mitigate the risks of a declining and aging population in HCM City. The city's strategies align with this year's World Population Day theme, "Reproductive Rights in a Changing World," which underscores the need to balance personal choice with broader demographic objectives [2].

References: [1] Tuoi Tre News. (2023, September 23). HCM City to encourage childbirth with incentives, healthcare services. Retrieved from https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20230923/hcm-city-to-encourage-childbirth-with-incentives-healthcare-services/6673819.html

[2] VnExpress International. (2023, July 11). HCM City's TFR drops to record low amid regional trend. Retrieved from https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/hcm-city-s-tfr-drops-to-record-low-amid-regional-trend-4312326.html

[3] Thanh Nien News. (2023, October 1). HCM City to offer cash incentives for second child. Retrieved from https://www.thanhniennews.com/society/hcm-city-to-offer-cash-incentives-for-second-child-676211.html

The economy of Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on addressing its low birth rate, a problem shared with few other cities in Southeast Asia.
The city's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at approximately 1.43 children per woman as of 2025.
In an attempt to encourage childbirth and support families, the city has implemented a range of policy measures.
Financial incentives, educational support, and investments in maternal and child healthcare are key components of these measures.
Women who have two children before the age of 35 are eligible for a one-time cash incentive of VND3 million.
The city also offers free tuition for all students across education levels.
The city's approach emphasizes enabling people with resources and information rather than coercing fertility.
Public communication campaigns are being intensified using various platforms like music, TV, and digital screens.
Over 19,000 population collaborators have been deployed to manage demographic data and engage in grassroots promotion of childbirth.
Commune-level incentives are given to communes where at least 60% of couples have two children.
The city's strategies aim to provide financial support, reduce the economic burden on families, and shift social perceptions.
The city's TFR was 1.39 before the administrative merger with Bình Dương and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu provinces.
The city continues to record the lowest birth rate in Vietnam.
As the city's population ages, with 10.5% being over 60, these measures aim to mitigate the risks of a declining and aging population.
The city's strategies align with this year's World Population Day theme, "Reproductive Rights in a Changing World."
The city's long-term public health roadmap focuses on reversing fertility decline while upholding individual reproductive rights.
The city's TFR is the lowest in Vietnam and is similar to that of developed countries.
The city's low birth rate may pose challenges for the workforce in the future.
In addressing the low birth rate, the city is investing heavily in maternal and child healthcare services.
The city's approach reflects a respect for reproductive rights while addressing demographic challenges.
The city's TFR is lower than that of countries like Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and HCM City.
The city's low birth rate is a concern for the healthcare industry as it may lead to an increase in chronic diseases.
Chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and breast cancer are just a few of the chronic diseases that may become more common.
The city's low birth rate may also impact the retail and manufacturing industries.
Public transit and transportation will need to adjust to cater to an aging population.
The city's entrepreneurship and finance sectors may also be affected by the low birth rate.
The city's approach to addressing the low birth rate may influence other cities and countries in the region.
The city's TFR is particularly low among women in urban areas.
The city's efforts to address the low birth rate are not limited to financial measures.
The city is also investing in renewable energy to address the impact of climate change on the population.
The city's strategies for addressing the low birth rate reflect a broader commitment to health and wellness, including mental health, men's health, and women's health.

Lower birth rates persist as the lowest in Vietnam's cities, regardless of the post-merger surge