Vietnam’s health ministry has proposed spending over 1.8 trillion ₫ (about $71.7 million) annually on cash incentives for childbirth, as the country grapples with declining fertility.

Local media VnExpress reported on Thursday that the policy, if approved by the government, will take effect from July 1.

VnExpress stated that at least two million Vietnamese dong will be offered in cash or bank transfer to eligible women, who may receive combined benefits if they qualify for more than one group.

Beneficiaries include women from small ethnic minority groups, those living in areas with fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, and those who have two children before age 35.

The health ministry also plans to allocate over 2 trillion ₫ annually to fund congenital disease screening, the report said.

Health experts see the financial incentives as an urgent response to falling birth rates, as the national fertility rate declined from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to 1.91 in 2026 and is expected to decline further.

(Xinhua/NAN)