Public health in Vietnam: scientific evidence for policy changes and interventions

Abstract

Vietnam has made impressive progress toward improving the health status of the population, with progress that equals or surpasses that of many neighboring countries. Life expectancy in Vietnam is 72.8 years (70.2 for men and 75.6 for women), a level that is considerably higher than that in many countries with similar levels of GDP per capita. From 1990 to 2009, the infant mortality rate fell from 44.4% to 16.0%, the under-five mortality rate dropped from 58.0% to 24.5%, and thematernal mortality ratio declined from 233 to 69 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Estimated to be around 18% in 2010, the rate of under-five malnutrition has also fallen dramatically. These improvements are attributable to a widespread health care delivery network,increasing numbers of qualified health workers, and expanding national public health programs.