Number of Births Rises Sharply in First Six Months

The number of babies born in the first half of this year increased 9.9% compared to the same period last year. The information was revealed by Le Canh Nhac, deputy head of the General Department of Population and Family Planning (GDPFP), at a press conference held on July 5 in response to World Population Day (July 11). Nhac said clinical contraceptive methods reached only 40% of the set target in the period, while non-clinical contraceptive methods reached only 75% of last year’s figure. In the second half of the year, the population and family planning tasks will focus on implementing communication activities in line with the characteristics of each region and area, as well as expanding networks supplying family planning services nationwide, Nhac said. The sector will also strengthen the implementation of reducing the gender imbalance at birth, boosting social marketing, and socializing contraceptive methods. On the occasion, the GDPFP in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund released information relating to the activities to respond to this year’s World Population Day which is themed “Investing in teenage girls.” A meeting in response to the Day will be held in Hanoi on July 9 with a number of activities, including parades and consultancy services on reproductive health. (vietnamplus.vn July 5)