Newborns at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The Government has asked local authorities to pilot policies to support couples to give birth and raise children. — VNS Photo Việt Thanh

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has approved a birth rate adjustment programme towards 2030 which encourages people to get married before the age of 30 and women to give birth to their second child before they are 35.

The programme sets the target to increase the birth rate by 10 per cent in localities with a low rate (less than two children per couple) and reduce the rate in localities with a high rate of more than 2.2 children per couple.

Provinces and cities in which each woman of reproductive age has two to 2.2 children should maintain the rate or so-called desired fertility at replacement level.

The targets aim to help Việt Nam accomplish the national population strategy by 2030.

The PM ordered the issuance of regulations so that public employees and Party members set the example of having no more than two children in their families.

Areas with a low birth rate or desired fertility at replacement level should encourage families to have two children.

PM Phúc asked local authorities to pilot policies to support couples in giving birth and raising children. Getting married or giving birth at an old age is not encouraged.

Couples who have two children will have their income tax reduced and be assisted with children’s tuition fees or expenses to rent houses or buy social housing. Children of these families will have priority to be admitted to public schools.

Local authorities have been asked to pilot marriage and family consultation services such as dating clubs and pre-marriage health consultations.

Pregnant women or those having two children have access to mother and baby healthcare and malnutrition prevention consultations. — VNS