Dong Nai rolls out 2026 population work plan

The Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee has issued Plan No. 157/KH-UBND dated March 27, 2026, outlining the implementation of population work activities for 2026.

Elderly residents in Loc Quang commune receive free health check-ups. Photo: Hanh Dung

Under the plan, Dong Nai aims to appropriately adjust fertility rates, encourage each couple to have two children, maintain replacement fertility rate, and control the sex ratio at birth at 108 boys per 100 girls. The province also targets an increase in the crude birth rate of 0.2‰ compared to 2025.

A key highlight is the promotion of counseling programs, raising public awareness, with a target that 74% of young people undergo premarital health check-ups. The province will expand prenatal and newborn screening programs, aiming for 65% of pregnant women to be screened for four diseases and 86% of newborns for five diseases.

At the same time, elderly care will continue to be prioritized, with a target that 76% of older persons receive periodic health check-ups at least once a year.

To achieve these goals, the provincial People’s Committee has directed departments, sectors, and localities to implement a range of coordinated measures, including adjusting fertility rates in line with regional and demographic characteristics; communicating regulations that Party members are not subject to disciplinary consideration for having a third child or more; and providing free modern contraceptive methods to certain groups. Communication on gender equality will also be strengthened, alongside strictly handling of gender-selective practices during pregnancy.

In addition, the province will expand prenatal and newborn screening to improve population quality from an early life, develop community-based elderly care models, and apply technology to health management.

Notably, efforts will also focus on preventing infertility, reducing abortion among adolescents and young people, and developing youth-friendly health services.

Population communication in 2026 is identified as a continuous task, with a strong push for innovation, prioritizing digital platforms and social media. Communication content will focus on key issues such as having two children, gender equality, adapting to population aging, disease screening, and improving population quality.

By Hanh Dung - Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha