Vietnam's bold new laws target health, fertility, and ageing populations

Vietnam's National Assembly has reviewed two key draft laws aimed at shaping the country's future health and demographic policies. The proposals address disease prevention and population management, covering issues from fertility rates to elderly care. Lawmakers examined these measures during the 10th session of the 15th NA, alongside discussions on personnel matters earlier in the week. The draft disease prevention law introduces wide-ranging measures to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It includes early detection programmes, community-based management strategies, and nutrition guidelines for at-risk groups. Mental health is also addressed, with provisions for identifying risk factors and implementing preventive actions. The law further promotes research, innovation, and digital transformation to strengthen public health systems.

The draft population law focuses on stabilising Vietnam's declining fertility rate, which dropped from 2.2 children per woman in 2020 to 1.9 in 2023. To counter this trend, Regulation 07/2025—enacted in June 2025—grants couples the right to decide the timing, number, and spacing of their children. Supportive measures include extended maternity leave, priority access to social housing for families with two or more children, and strict bans on gender-selective abortions. The law also aims to correct gender imbalances at birth through awareness campaigns and policies to keep fertility rates above replacement levels. Elderly care is another priority under the draft population law. It proposes developing a skilled workforce for eldercare services and introducing support systems for ageing populations.

If passed, these laws will reshape Vietnam's approach to public health and demographics. The disease prevention measures seek to reduce NCDs through early intervention and modernised health systems. Meanwhile, the population law aims to balance fertility rates, address gender disparities, and improve care for the elderly. Both drafts reflect broader efforts to adapt to Vietnam's changing societal needs.