Contribute to increasing replacement fertility in Vietnam

NDO - With the replacement fertility rate decreasing nationwide, experts say that there needs to be a number of synchronous solutions to overcome this problem. Accordingly, financial support and expanded treatment opportunities will increase motivation for families on their journey to parenthood.

On March 6, under the sponsorship of the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Merck Healthcare Vietnam Co., Ltd. organized a seminar "Choosing to be a mother: To have children or not to have children".

The event aims to discuss the current situation of declining birth rates in Vietnam in general, the challenges women face when deciding to become mothers in particular, as well as solutions to improve the situation.

At the discussion, revolving around the causes leading to the decline in birth rates, experts said there are many causes, including: increased pressure from work and life; increased costs of raising children leading to families being reluctant to have children.

In addition, the trend of being single, the trend of not having children, or the conditions for women to study, develop, and participate in social activities; the opportunity to access and use contraceptives increases... also affect the birth rate. Particularly with the increasing situation of infertility, there are many factors such as: the age of marriage and having children in both men and women increases; environmental pollution, increased food affects sperm, eggs, and the reproductive system; climate change...

Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Hoang Thi Diem Tuyet, Director of Hung Vuong Hospital, said that the rapidly increasing rate of infertility in Vietnam not only affects the population but also has a profound impact on the health and psychology of couples. The key is to raise awareness of reproductive health, encourage early screening and create conditions for patients to access advanced treatment methods.

"Financial support and expanded treatment opportunities not only help reduce economic burdens but also motivate families on their journey to parenthood, contributing to the stability and sustainable development of society," said Dr. Tuyet.

Support from businesses, first of all for their employees, not only helps reduce economic and psychological pressure but also creates conditions for them to be proactive and confident in deciding to have children. When businesses accompany in building family support policies, the benefits do not stop at employees but also contribute to stabilizing human resources and promoting sustainable development of society.

Accordingly, Merck Vietnam is the pioneer company to implement the “Welfare policy for employees who perform assisted reproduction under medical indications”. Accordingly, Merck Vietnam will provide financial support to all employees and their spouses to perform assisted reproduction when medically indicated.

Delegates attending the seminar.

The program will provide a maximum subsidy of up to VND410 million per eligible employee that can be used throughout their employment at Merck, helping employees realize their dream of becoming parents, while demonstrating the company's commitment to accompanying employees.

Earlier in 2023, Merck, in collaboration with Economist Impact, launched the Fertility Policy Toolkit for Asia- Pacific countries. The toolkit is an important part of the Fertility Counts project - an initiative to address the economic and social challenges associated with low fertility in the region.

Dr. Ghislaine Dondellinger, General Director, Merck Healthcare Vietnam Co., Ltd. emphasized that the company wants to ensure that women are not only given the opportunity to develop their careers but also have the conditions to build families.

"We believe that an ideal working environment is one where women are fully supported, from finances, health to promotion opportunities. Therefore, Merck has implemented many initiatives, from support for pregnant women, to a postpartum support program to help them return to work smoothly, especially a policy to support infertility treatment according to medical indications. Through this welfare policy, Merck is also making a practical contribution to the overall progress of society, improving fertility rates and sustainable development," said Dr. Ghislaine Dondellinger.

Dr. Ghislaine Dondellinger - General Director of Merck Healthcare Vietnam Co., Ltd. spoke.

Speaking at the program, Dr. Josefine Wallat, Consul General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, said that Germany has been facing a declining birth rate for many years, leading to an aging society and a shrinking workforce. This negatively affects the country's prosperity and makes caring for the elderly more difficult.

“Addressing the root causes and creating an environment where young people feel confident about having children is a complex task for governments, businesses and society as a whole. I am very grateful to Merck for bringing attention to this important issue and giving us the opportunity to explore all options for young people,” said Dr. Josefine Wallat.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/gop-phan-lam-tang-muc-sinh-thay-the-tai-viet-nam-post863403.html