Vietnam increases investment in population program
Ha Noi, Jan. 6 (VNA) -- Viet Nam plans to invest VND 250 billion, USD 17.9 million, in its 2001 population programme, VND 25 billion more than the previous year in a bid to cut the birth rate by 0.05 percent.
The money will be used to disseminate information about population in the provinces where the birth rate is still high the northern mountainous provinces, the Central Highlands, central coastal provinces and poor and isolated areas.
The programme will include gathering population data as well as projects for community reproductive health; reduction of mother and infant mortality rates; ensuring nutrition for mothers and children, contraception, abortion and control of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.
Birth rate was cut by 0.046 percent in 2000.--VNA
