Vietnamese Life Expectancy Rises by Nine Years in 2023: Health Minister
Vietnamese life expectancy increased from 65.5 years in 1993 to 74.5 years last year, surpassing many countries with similar per capita incomes, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan has said.
Minister Lan shared this data at a meeting co-hosted by the health ministry and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Hanoi last week, celebrating World Population Day (July 11) and the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has achieved significant advancements in population control and human development, Minister Lan stated. The country has curbed its rapid population growth, reducing the annual growth rate from 1.7% (1989-1999) to 1.14% (2009-2019). Maternal mortality rates have decreased sixfold and the infant mortality rate has dropped nearly four times. Vietnam has maintained a total fertility rate of 2-2.1 children per woman since 2006.
Vietnam's human development index has surged to the global average, with notable improvements in physical stature and strength. The working-age population has risen to 67.5% in 2023 from 56.1% in 1989, marking the onset of a “golden population” period in 2007. Urban population proportions have also increased from 20% in 1993 to 38.1% in 2023.
However, Vietnam faces challenges such as maintaining replacement fertility rates amidst emerging low fertility trends, a rapidly aging population, gender imbalance, child marriage, inbreeding, and high adolescent pregnancy rates in certain regions. Disparities in quality of life, physical strength, and stature between urban and remote areas persist.
To tackle these issues, the National Steering Committee on Population and Development and the Ministry of Health urged rigorous implementation of directives, adequate staffing, and budget allocations. UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Fatima Tamesis emphasized the importance of investing in reproductive and sexual health services to combat poverty and inequality.