Vietnam’s Ministry of Health marked World Contraception Day 2026 at Hanoi Medical University on Sept. 24, focusing on access to reliable information and appropriate contraceptive methods to improve reproductive health and population quality.
Held under the theme “Proactively Use the Right Contraceptive Method to Improve Population Quality”, the event was supported by Bayer Vietnam and brought together government agencies, social and international organizations, medical institutions, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, media and students.
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Event themed “Proactively use the right contraceptive method to improve population quality” was held on Sept. 24 in Hanoi. Photo by Minh Minh |
The program featured remarks from representatives of the Ministry of Health, Hanoi Medical University, the Youth Union and Bayer Vietnam, as well as a discussion between healthcare experts and young people. It also aligned with the global World Contraception Day theme, “No Barriers, Just Choice.”
Experts said barriers to contraception include limited access to reliable information and quality counseling, concerns about costs and uncertainty over which family planning method is appropriate.
Improving access to information and counseling can help women and couples make informed decisions about when to have children and the spacing between births based on their health, circumstances and future plans.
Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen emphasized that family planning goes beyond contraception.
“Family planning is not simply about preventing pregnancy. It is about enabling every individual and couple to make informed decisions about the number of children they want, when to have children, and the spacing between births, based on access to comprehensive information, counseling, and safe, effective, and appropriate contraceptive methods,” the deputy minister said.
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Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen speaking at the event. Photo by Minh Minh |
A discussion among students and healthcare professionals addressed safe contraceptive use, reproductive health monitoring and how to select appropriate methods based on medical evidence.
Experts stressed that there is no single contraceptive method suitable for everyone. Choices should take into account health conditions, medical history, personal needs, the ability to use a method consistently and access to healthcare services.
They also urged young people to distinguish reliable medical information from unverified content, particularly as health information becomes increasingly available through online and offline sources.
Experts called for broader access to accurate, easy-to-understand medical information, confidential counseling services and stronger connections among doctors, pharmacists, healthcare facilities and telehealth services.
Pharmacies can also serve as an accessible first point of contact by providing basic information and directing people to appropriate healthcare services when necessary.
James Alexander, Country Head of the Pharmaceuticals Division at Bayer Vietnam, said the company would continue working with the Vietnam Population Authority, under Ministry of Health, healthcare professionals and communities on reproductive health education, raising awareness, fostering open dialogue, and helping young people feel more confident when making decisions about their reproductive health and future.
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James Alexander, Country Head of the Pharmaceuticals Division at Bayer Vietnam, sharing speech at the event. Photo by Minh Minh |
Alexander said the company would also continue providing wide range of family planning solutions for different needs and circumstances while working with healthcare professionals, pharmacists and other partners to improve access to medical information and practical support.
The company has worked with the Department of Population for more than a decade on women’s healthcare and reproductive health awareness initiatives. The cooperation focuses on improving community understanding and expanding opportunities for young people and couples to access counseling and discuss family planning choices.
“Looking ahead, we see strong opportunities to strengthen the family planning landscape through an integrated ecosystem of digital tools, quality counselling standards, pharmacy engagement, and community education initiatives. By strengthening this ecosystem, we can make contraception not only more available, but also better understood, better chosen, and more confidently used,” Alexander shared.