Bayer and the Vietnam Population Authority Partners to Combat Unintended Pregnancies and Advance Women's Reproductive Health

HANOI – September 26, 2025 – Bayer Vietnam, in collaboration with the Vietnam Population Authority under the Ministry of Health, organized a special event to commemorate World Contraception Day with this year’s theme: "Stand Strong Against Adolescent Pregnancy for Your Future and Happiness".

The event attracted the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Health, central and local government agencies, the Vietnam Women's Union, university students, and representatives from social organizations.

Participants joined efforts to advance reproductive health awareness and support a healthier future for women, families, and communities across Vietnam.

At the event, Bayer was honored to receive a draft Memorandum of Understanding for the 2026-2030 period. This is not only a continuation of the cooperative relationship that began in 2016, but also a strong and urgent commitment from both sides to strengthen educational and communication activities, raise awareness, expand access to information, and promote specific actions in family planning and reproductive health care for Vietnamese women - especially youth and vulnerable groups.

Representatives from the Vietnam Population Authority, Bayer Vietnam, and partner organizations participate in the launch ceremony commemorating World Contraception Day 2025 and reaffirming their commitment to advancing reproductive health in Vietnam. 

Ms. Hoàng Thị Thơm, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Population Authority, stated: “In recent years, Vietnam's family planning program has achieved significant milestones. The quality of family planning services in our country has gradually improved, with contraceptive use rates reaching and maintaining high levels compared to the region and the world. However, we still face many challenges, particularly in meeting the increasingly diverse needs of youth and adolescents. The theme of World Contraception Day 2025 emphasizes the importance of this age group taking responsibility for safe sexual practices and actively engaging in contraception for their own benefit and the future of the nation. With the collaborative efforts of the government, social organizations, international partners, and businesses, I believe we can better meet the reproductive health needs of all citizens, especially the youth—the future of our country.”

"With a 160-year history of innovation, and as a leader in Women's Health, Bayer is committed to improving women’s quality of life through advanced healthcare solutions," said James Alexander, Country Head of the Pharmaceutical Division at Bayer Vietnam. "We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Vietnam Population Authority. Over the next five years, we aim to drive even greater impact—creating a healthier, safer, and more empowered future for women and children across Vietnam."

James Alexander (right), Country Head of the Pharmaceutical Division at Bayer Vietnam, speaks about Bayer’s commitment to advancing reproductive health education and expanding access to modern contraceptive solutions for women across Vietnam.

The Alarming Reality of Unintended Pregnancy

Globally, there are an estimated 121 million unintended pregnancies each year, accounting for over 48% of all pregnancies. More than 60% of these cases end in abortion, with roughly 45% being performed unsafely, posing serious health risks and even leading to preventable deaths. In developing countries, unsafe abortions contribute to 5–13% of maternal deaths, making this a global health crisis.

In Vietnam, unintended pregnancies remain a critical challenge, especially among young people and women in rural areas. Limited access to accurate information and modern contraceptive methods in these regions continues to drive high abortion rates and other reproductive health concerns.

This is not simply a personal issue—it is a public health emergency that demands immediate, coordinated action. Enhancing reproductive health education and improving access to safe contraceptives are the keys to reducing abortion rates and maternal mortality, empowering millions of Vietnamese women to take control of their health and future. 

Furthermore, when women can access and use contraception properly, they can proactively protect their reproductive health and plan for healthy pregnancies—when they are ready.

A Collaborative Effort for Public Health

In response to this urgent issue, Bayer Vietnam has been working closely with the Vietnam Population Authority for many years to implement impactful reproductive health communication programs. Campaigns such as “As a Woman, I Choose to Live Proactively” and the “Live Proactively” mobile app have already helped over 25 million women across Vietnam access reliable, science-based information on contraception.

Building on this success, the new MoU marks a significant step forward in jointly tackling reproductive health challenges in Vietnam. The 2026-2030 cooperation program will focus on several key areas:

  • Capacity Building for Health Officials: Specialized training and workshops for health and population professionals to strengthen knowledge of modern contraceptive methods.
  • Community Outreach: educational sessions at industrial zones, high schools, and universities to equip young people and workers with essential knowledge on reproductive health, safe sex, and family planning.
  • Technology Integration: Development of digital platforms and mobile apps offering trusted, accessible information on contraception.
  • Multi-channel Communication: Media campaigns and interactive online initiatives, such as contests and social media outreach, to broaden the public’s understanding of reproductive health.

This partnership underscores Bayer's strong commitment to supporting the Vietnamese government in raising awareness, expanding access to reproductive health solutions, and contributing to the sustainable development of communities and society.

Bayer’s Enduring Commitment to Women’s Health

In 2025, the world celebrates a landmark in reproductive health: the 65th anniversary of the contraceptive pill - a true breakthrough in reproductive healthcare. First approved in 1960 and introduced by Bayer (former name: Schering AG) in Europe in 1961, the pill transformed women’s ability to control their fertility, careers, and lives.

Over the decades, the company has continued to lead the way in contraceptive innovation, developing newer generations of hormonal options with improved tolerability, safety, and effectiveness to meet the evolving needs of women worldwide.

Moreover, as part of its global commitment, Bayer aims to support over 100 million women in low- and middle-income countries with access to family planning knowledge and appropriate contraceptive methods by 2030. This mission aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting good health and gender equality.

In the coming October, Bayer will join forces with media and education partners to launch a series of mental and reproductive health counseling sessions at high schools in Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative will help students better understand their bodies, emotions, and relationships, while also equipping parents with tools to support their children through adolescence and into healthy adulthood.