The World Contraception Day 26/9 ceremony in Vietnam: Promoting Awareness of Reproductive Health

Alarming Statistics on Unintended Pregnancy

The issue of unintended pregnancy, particularly among adolescents, is becoming increasingly concerning. At the event, Mr. Le Thanh Dung, Director of the General Department of Population under the Ministry of Health, stated that each year, there are 121 million cases of unintended pregnancies worldwide, with 61% resolved through abortion, and of those, 45% are unsafe. In Vietnam, the birth rate among women aged 15-19 remains high, with a national average of 42 live births per 1,000 women, the highest being in the Northeast and Central Highlands regions, which are primarily populated by ethnic minorities. Through these statistics, Mr. Dũng expressed the urgency of the unintended pregnancy situation: “These are significant numbers that lead to serious consequences for the health of young mothers and their children. This highlights the importance of access to family planning and reproductive health services for the well-being of women and children globally and specifically in Vietnam.”

The Importance of the World Contraception Day ceremony with Vietnam

The World Contraception Day 2024 aims to raise awareness among all segments of the population, particularly the youth, adolescents, women, and men of reproductive age, about contraceptive methods to enable informed choices regarding reproductive health. Therefore, the theme chosen by Vietnam for World Contraception Day 2024 is: "Youth Should Take Responsibility for Safe Sex and Proactive Contraception for Their Own Happiness and the Future of the Country." This theme is intended to inspire a sense of responsibility among young people regarding safe sex practices and proactive contraception for their own benefit and happiness.

Mr. Dung stated that proactive contraception allows for control over childbirth, timing, spacing, and the number of children, ensuring that each child is a desired outcome for parents who are ready to raise them. Additionally, it can prevent obstetric complications, especially among adolescents, and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections; it enhances quality of life, prevents overpopulation, and allows for better care and education of children, ultimately improving the economic conditions of each family.

Recognizing the importance of reproductive health, GENTIS is honored to participate in the rally for World Contraception Day 2024. This is not only an opportunity for GENTIS to demonstrate its commitment to reproductive health but also a chance to connect and gain essential knowledge about accessing safe and effective contraceptive methods. We believe that through this event, meaningful messages will be disseminated, contributing to increased awareness and encouraging positive actions among the general public, especially the youth.