Điện Biên currently has a population of over 640,000, with more than 60% in the working-age group (15-64 years old). This indicates that the province is entering its “golden population” period with abundant human resources. However, experts warn that this demographic advantage only becomes a true driver of development when paired with quality. A large labor force alone is not enough, if workers are in poor health, lack professional skills or education, and face unstable employment, they may place more pressure on social welfare systems rather than contribute economic value.

According to Đặng Thị Cúc of the Division of Population and Children under the provincial Health Department, like the rest of the country, is entering this crucial phase of demographic transition. However, this opportunity is time-limited. To make the most of it, the health sector has focused on public education, reproductive healthcare, prenatal and neonatal screening, and premarital health checkups, especially in ethnic minority areas.

Under provincial guidance, the Health Department has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at improving population quality. These include maternal and child healthcare, addressing gender imbalance at birth, and expanding communication on population and family planning. Between 2024 and 2025, the province has conducted outreach campaigns and provided family planning services across remote and mountainous areas. In regions at high risk of early marriage, large family size, and consanguineous unions, nearly 1,500 awareness events have been held, drawing over 50,000 participants.

At schools, education on population, reproductive health, and life skills has become routine. All lower and upper secondary schools now incorporate content on premarital health, prevention of early and consanguineous marriages, reproductive health, life planning, and career orientation.

Nguyễn Hoàng Anh, an 11th grader at Điện Biên Phủ High School, shared: “Before, many of us didn’t really understand issues like early marriage or reproductive health. But through school sessions, teachers and population workers explained things clearly and in a way we could relate to. Now we’re more aware of our responsibilities and future.”

In tandem with education, prenatal and neonatal screening has also been expanded, as part of efforts to improve population quality from the womb. Since early 2024, nearly 10,000 prenatal and over 3,000 newborn screenings have been performed, helping identify health risks early and enabling timely intervention.

In preparing for the post-“golden population” era, when the population structure begins to age, the province adopted a comprehensive plan back in 2021. The program on elderly healthcare through 2030 sets specific targets by phase, with a focus on helping seniors live happily, healthily, and meaningfully, so they can remain contributors to socioeconomic development.

To bring these goals to life, the Health Department has worked with relevant agencies and the Elderly Association at all levels to implement a range of initiatives. One notable example is the longstanding “Bright Eyes for the Elderly” program, which has helped thousands improve their vision and quality of life. Since 2023 alone, nearly 25,000 elderly residents have received eye exams, with over 1,000 provided free surgeries for cataracts or pterygium, or given free prescription glasses, helping them see clearly, live more confidently, and reduce the caregiving burden on their families.

Bùi Thị Hương, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial Elderly Association, emphasized: “Even in old age, if they’re healthy, seniors can still contribute to both family and society. Caring for their health isn’t just an obligation, it’s a smart way to tap into a valuable resource in an aging society. We’re truly glad to see programs like ‘Bright Eyes for the Elderly’ being implemented in a meaningful and effective way.”

With many targeted initiatives in place, the province is making a concerted effort to seize this golden opportunity. From improving reproductive health and population quality from before birth, to strengthening education and outreach in remote areas, and preparing for the realities of an aging population, the provincial departments are coordinating proactively, systematically, and flexibly to meet real-world needs. These efforts lay a crucial foundation for building a healthy, high-quality population, ready to support Điện Biên’s sustainable development in the era of industrialization and modernization.