The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the Population Department (Ministry of Health), the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), UN Women, and population experts. Experts lauded the event's significance, especially as Vietnam faces demographic challenges.

Representatives of UNFPA Vietnam and Organon at the strategic partnership signing ceremony on 17/11. Photo: Organon Vietnam

Recent surveys indicate that young people, and women in particular, continue to face social stigma and difficulties accessing healthcare, leading to significant consequences for reproductive health. According to information from the Ministry of Health in 2024, for every 1,000 girls aged 15-19 nationwide, 42 give birth; this figure rises to 115 in the northern midland and mountainous region.

The 2020-2021 national survey on sustainable development indicators for women and children revealed that 10.2% of married women and 40.7% of unmarried women had unmet family planning needs.

The collaboration between UNFPA in Vietnam and Organon stems from a shared vision and commitment to listening to the needs of women and communities to build healthier lives.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties is based on four key action objectives, forming a comprehensive implementation framework from policy to community level. First, it aims to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of evidence-based policies and actions to effectively respond to demographic changes. Second, it addresses persistent and emerging population issues affecting adolescents and women. Third, the partnership seeks to strengthen multi-stakeholder cooperation in promoting reproductive and sexual health. Finally, the collaboration aims to foster the participation and empowerment of youth and women in advocacy activities and reproductive and sexual health programs.

Mr. Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, emphasized at the ceremony, "We will continue to strive to ensure every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every adolescent can realize their full potential." He stated that this goal would be achieved by equipping adolescents with accurate information and ensuring access to quality, non-discriminatory services. The UNFPA Representative in Vietnam added that the core of UNFPA's commitment is to achieve three transformative goals by 2030: all contraceptive needs are met; zero preventable maternal deaths; and no gender-based violence.

UNFPA Vietnam representative speaking at the signing ceremony. Photo: Organon Vietnam

Multi-sectoral cooperation to empower women and young people is key to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, education, and gender equality. Ms. Vo Thi Thuy Ha, General Director of Organon Vietnam, believes that access to accurate information is the foundation of health equity. "This partnership aims to ensure every Vietnamese woman has the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about her reproductive health. Organon is committed to improving the health and well-being of women, because when women thrive, families and communities thrive," she stressed.

Organon representative speaking about the strategic partnership decision. Photo: Organon Vietnam

Beyond affirming the strategic partnership between UNFPA and Organon, the signing event also serves as a call to action to raise awareness and empower young people and women in reproductive and sexual health. The MoU took effect this November and will be periodically evaluated by both parties to adjust and enhance cooperation effectiveness.

(Source: Organon Vietnam)

Organon is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in New Jersey, US. It operates in over 140 countries with a portfolio of more than 70 products across various areas, focusing on women's reproductive healthcare. The company has held a leading position in hormonal contraceptives in Vietnam for the past 40 years.