Nghe An aims to restore the sex ratio at birth to a natural balance.

On the morning of November 29th, the People's Committee of Nghe An province held a working session to hear and give opinions on two draft projects related to training and improving the quality of personnel and communication on population work for the period 2020-2030. Mr. Bui Dinh Long, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, chaired the meeting.

Scene from the working session. Photo: Tien Hung

Population work is shifting its focus from family planning to the broader issue of population development. Recognizing that the quality of the workforce will determine the quality of population work, the draft plan outlines five fundamental solutions aimed at providing knowledge, professional skills, and professionalization for this workforce by 2030. Specific targets and objectives are also outlined in the draft for each phase, up to 2025 and 2030.

During the meeting, some delegates argued that the funding for training and professional development needs to be clarified, as this funding is already regulated according to the current decentralization scheme; therefore, separate funding for the project is not feasible. Some also suggested merging the two projects into one, with the main focus on improving the quality of the population, including personnel management and communication efforts.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee concludes the meeting. Photo: Tien Hung

Concluding the meeting, regarding the training program for population officials, the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee suggested adjusting the name and implementation period of the program to only 2020-2025. The funding for the program also needs to be clarified. Issuing certificates will be the primary method of acknowledging the training content received by population officials.

Regarding the draft plan for reforming and improving the quality of communication and education on population and development, this plan will focus on raising awareness and creating consensus throughout society in comprehensively and synchronously addressing issues related to population size, structure, distribution, and quality.

Specifically, the goal is to reduce the birth rate, decrease the rate of third and subsequent births, and achieve replacement level fertility as soon as possible; to bring the sex ratio at birth back to a natural balance; and to effectively utilize the demographic dividend and quality... contributing to the rapid and sustainable socio-economic development of Nghe An.

However, at the meeting, many delegates suggested that more communication solutions for population and development are needed, and that merging the two projects into one comprehensive plan within a timeframe of only five years was still a popular proposal.

In conclusion, Comrade Bui Dinh Long suggested that the Health sector revise the draft plan, and also agreed with the opinions of many delegates to merge the two plans.