A report delivered at the conference showed that although the crude birth rate fell in the reviewed period, it did not fulfil the set target. Mother and child care activities surpassed the target set for 2005, but the increasing number of genital infections, sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS set alarm bells ringing.

However, the report also acknowledged that population, family and children work has obtained encouraging achievements in the past five years, drawing the participation of all social strata. The crude birth rate has continued to fall to a level closer to the replacement-level fertility; the protection, care and education of children, particularly children of difficult circumstances, has made significant progress; and children’s rights have been better guaranteed than in the previous five years.   

According to the report, in the 2006-2010 period, Vietnam strives to reduce the annual birth rate to 0.25 percent and maintain an annual population growth rate of 1.14 percent so that Vietnam will have less than 89 million people by 2010. By the time, it will reduce the infant mortality rate to below 15%o, the child mortality rate to below 32%o, and the child malnutrition rate to below 20 percent. In addition, 99 percent of children will attend school at the right age, 100 percent of orphans and 70 percent of children in special difficulties will receive better social care.  Vietnam will also strive to reduce the number of child drug addicts and law breakers to 10 percent.

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai praised the population sector for its significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development, particularly in hunger and poverty reduction and social progress. He also pointed out the sector’s weaknesses in dealing with high birth rates, family violence, trafficking in children, population quality, traditional family values and education services for children.

According to the PM, the sector should focus on improving the population quality, finalising the legal system on population, family and children, and enhancing inspection over the implementation of population policies by individuals and organisations. He said Vietnam should reduce the crude birth rate, oversee the population growth, promote education and care for children, and better deal with street children issues.