Hanoi (VNA) - The Seventh Asian and Pacific PopulationConference, being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 15-17 November, 2023, is agreat opportunity for governments, civil society, young people and others cometogether, building on their collective investments and planning new initiativesfor a prosperous and sustainable future.

Representatives from Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry ofHealth and Youth Union have joined the event and contributing to the usefuldiscussion. On this occasion, Vietnam News Agency speaks to UNFPARepresentative in Vietnam Matt Jackson about the health care situation inVietnam and population challenges facing the country.

Reporter: What are your evaluations of the progress Vietnam hasachieved in terms of health care, including SRH towards sustainabledevelopment?

Matt Jackson: First of all, I would like to take this opportunity tocongratulate the Government of Vietnam for its remarkable progress towardsachieving SDGs as stated in its Voluntary National Review 2023 on the implementationof the sustainable development goals. The Government is demonstrating strongpolitical commitment to the 2030 Agenda of Leaving No One Behind.

In terms of sexual and reproductive health and rights, Vietnam was one of only9 countries in the world that achieved the maternal mortality reduction targetin the Millennium Development Goals. This is a good success story; however,disparities remain. While the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined from233 per 100,000 live births in 1990’s to 46 per 100,000 live births in 2020, itis 2-3 times higher among ethnic minorities. Unmet need for family planning is40% among unmarried young people, considerably higher than the national averageof 10%. Young people still lack adequate and comprehensive information andservices, and the situation is accentuated among ethnic minorities and personswith disabilities.

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in 1994in Cairo, saw over 170 countries come together to affirm that everyone has theright to enjoy sexual and reproductive health through commit universal accessto sexual and reproductive health services.

This week sees the 7th Asia Pacific Conference on Population and Developmentwhere countries in the Asia-Pacific region will review progress on ICPD andprepare for the 30th anniversary in 2024. UNFPA is calling on policymakers andcommunity leaders to prioritise women’s and girls’ choices and access to safeand effective contraceptives and information to ensure that every young personhas the means and tools to avoid unintended pregnancies and sexuallytransmitted infections, and to build the life-skills necessary for adulthoodand older age.

Reporter: What are the population challenges in Vietnam? How have thesechallenges affected the implementation of sustainable development in Vietnam?

Matt Jackson: Like many other countries in Asia and thePacific, Vietnam is experiencing rapid demographic and social change. Thecountry’s total population has increased from 32.6 million in 1960 to 100million in 2023 making it the 15th most populous country in the world. Demographictrends provide a positive outlook for sustaining socio-economic development.The population of working age has grown to twice that of the dependent population(below 15 and 65 ) providing a large pool of labour. However, the demographicwindow is projected to close by 2039 suggesting that the need for investment ineducation and training and the promotion of the rights of women and youth,require attention.

In addition, Vietnam is also one of the most rapidly ageing countriesworldwide. It is projected that the country's transition from “populationageing” to “aged population” is much shorter than other countries and willhappen by 2036. The continuous increase in both absolute numbers and thepercentage of those of advanced age (75 and above) should increase our focus onissues such as the demand for social care, health care, and financialresources. Older people are living longer, healthier lives – and that’s a greatsuccess. Yet many older people also face chronic diseases, disabilities andmental health problems. These lead to an increase in healthcare costs andrequire well-established long-term care systems. This presents both challengesand opportunities that this week’s population conference will discuss with theaim of ensuring people-centred policies./.