The Ho Chi Minh City Population Department has issued a directive to district and ward-level health offices to compile a list of women who have given birth to two children before the age of 35, as part of a new incentive program. Eligible women will receive a one-time cash support of VND 3 million (approximately USD 120).

This policy is outlined in Resolution 40/2024 of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, which rewards individuals and collectives who actively support population growth and demographic balance.

The list will include women who gave birth to their second child between December 21, 2024 and April 15, 2025. Localities including Thu Duc City and all districts have started compiling data for disbursement.

In addition, pregnant women and newborns from poor, near-poor, or socially protected households, or those residing in island communes, will be eligible for prenatal and neonatal screening support totaling VND 2 million (about USD 80).

Of this amount, VND 600,000 will go toward prenatal screening, VND 400,000 toward neonatal screening, and VND 1 million will be granted as direct cash assistance.

As of late 2024, Ho Chi Minh City had a population of 9,521,886, with 74.2% in the working-age group. However, the city is facing alarmingly low fertility rates. In 2024, the total fertility rate (TFR) was just 1.39 children per woman - far below the national replacement level of 2 to 2.1 children.

This prolonged low fertility trend threatens to significantly alter the city’s demographic structure, with the proportion of young and working-age populations shrinking while the elderly population grows rapidly.

To address this, Ho Chi Minh City has prepared an integrated set of social welfare policies covering education, healthcare, housing, income tax, and family life. These efforts aim to help young couples feel secure about starting families and meeting the target of two children.

Phuong Thuy