Medical experts discussed infertility treatment, a pressing issue amid Vietnam's declining birth rate and wider global reproductive health challenges, at an international conference on October 31.
The scientific symposium, titled Fertility acadeMe Conference 2026, was jointly organised by the Vietnam Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society (VAGO), the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), and Merck Healthcare Vietnam.
The conference theme was Personalising the Path to Parenthood. Participants addressed global infertility challenges and low fertility rates in Vietnam.
More than 200 leading experts attended the event to examine the latest medical advances and exchange professional views on assisted reproductive technology (ART), mental health support and the use of artificial intelligence.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is becoming a reproductive health concern worldwide. In the Western Pacific region, which includes many countries in Asia-Pacific, the lifetime cumulative infertility rate is about 23.2 per cent, the highest among the world's regions. WHO also forecasts that infertility will become the third most dangerous disease in the 21st century, after cancer and cardiovascular disease.
In Vietnam, more than one million couples are estimated to experience infertility each year, with an overall rate of about 7.7 per cent. Primary infertility accounts for 3.9 per cent and secondary infertility, or infertility after one pregnancy, for 3.8 per cent. About 50 per cent of these couples are under 30. The rate of secondary infertility is rising by 15-20 per cent each year and accounts for more than half of all infertile couples.
Speaking at the conference, former deputy minister of Health and VAGO chairman Prof. Nguyen Viet Tien said Vietnam faced serious challenges as fertility rates continued to decline while infertility rates remained high. He said it was necessary to continue discussing appropriate measures and seeking support so that people and couples experiencing infertility would have more opportunities to become parents and improve their quality of life.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health also show that the demographic situation remains difficult and that the current fertility level does not ensure sustainable population replacement. Vietnam's total fertility rate was 1.93 children per woman in 2025, a slight increase from 1.91 in 2024. It remained below the replacement fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman. The low fertility rate directly affects the population structure, the economy, the labour market, employment and social security.
Participants described infertility and low fertility rates as serious challenges for individuals and families, as well as for population policy and sustainable development. The conference addressed the need to raise awareness of reproductive health, expand access to assisted reproductive techniques and keep up with medical advances to improve treatment outcomes.
International experts at the conference presented the latest updates and held detailed discussions on personalised assisted reproductive therapy, male infertility, optimisation of implantation and pregnancy outcomes, fertility preservation, psychological care for patients, and innovations in reproductive medicine, including artificial intelligence and emerging clinical practice evidence.
The scientific presentations and discussions provided a forum for experts to exchange views, update their knowledge, share practical experience and strengthen professional cooperation in reproductive medicine in Vietnam and the region.
Sources: Viet Nam News
