Vietnam tightens health laws on gender balance and disease prevention

Lawmakers in Vietnam reviewed two key draft laws during the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly. The proposals focus on population policies and disease prevention, covering issues from gender balance to mental health. Discussions also included personnel matters before the plenary session on Monday morning. The draft population law sets clear targets for maintaining replacement fertility rates. It also bans gender selection for fetuses and pushes for awareness campaigns to correct the natural sex ratio at birth. Support for elderly care and training for eldercare workers are additional priorities under the proposal.

The second draft law targets non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with early detection and community-based management. It outlines measures to reduce risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, and provides tailored guidance for vulnerable groups. Mental health is also addressed, with provisions for identifying risk factors, early intervention, and prevention of mental disorders. Both laws emphasise research, innovation, and digital transformation in public health. The disease prevention draft includes conditions for effective prevention, while the population law aims to build a sustainable healthcare workforce.

The two draft laws now await further review before potential adoption. If passed, they will introduce stricter controls on gender selection, expand elderly care services, and strengthen disease prevention strategies. The National Assembly's decisions will shape public health policies and demographic planning in the coming years.