A workshop on active contraception took place in Hanoi on September 23 in response to World Contraception Day 2019.

A medical worker gives health advice to a woman  

Co-organised by the Department of Population and Family Planning, Vietnam Women’s Union, and Bayer Vietnam company, the workshop discussed causes of unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and the benefits of using contraceptive methods.

 Speaking at the event, Director of the department Nguyen Doan Tu stressed contraception helps families control their reproduction, avoid sexual-transmitted diseases, and improve living standards.

 According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, the country’s population increases by nearly 1 million on an average annual basis.

 Official reports showed that there are between 250,000 and 300,000 abortions a year.

 On the occasion, a mobile app, named ‘Song chu dong’ (proactive life), was introduced. The app offers adequate information on reproductive health and contraceptive methods and enables users to connect with experts in the field. It is available on Android and IOs platforms for downloads starting from September 26.

 The app is part of a family planning communications programme run by the three parties in the past three years. The programme has so far organised several seminars and competitions to promote safe contraception. By the end of 2019, it is expected to provide consultations for more than 25 million women nationwide.