Reportedly, in 2024, the child marriage rate was alarmingly high at 33.2% of all marriages, especially in ethnic minority communities. Although local authorities and relevant agencies have implemented various communication and awareness-raising efforts, child marriage persists in some parts of the population.

At just 14 years old, Sùng Thị S. from Phì Nhừ B hamlet, Phì Nhừ commune (Điện Biên Đông district) left school and married. Her husband, Sùng A V., had just completed grade 9. The couple’s marriage, conducted before they were of legal age, means they have yet to officially register their marriage. Still, the young couple, reliant on their parents, faces increasing hardship. “I know it was wrong to marry so young, but since we are married now, I have to accept it,” S. said. “Our life is very difficult. We just hope to reach working age and find a job to support ourselves.”

Similarly, 18-year-old Thào Thị M., from Háng Pu Xi hamlet, Phì Nhừ commune, is already a mother of two. She married at 16, without full knowledge of reproductive health or family life management, leading to disruptions in her life. Her husband, two years younger than her, also dropped out of school early. M. shared, “At the time, I did not fully understand, but I asked my parents for permission to marry. They agreed because they loved me. Now I feel regret because both of us struggle every day to make ends meet, and our children are lacking.”

Child marriage leads to numerous negative consequences. In Điện Biên’s highlands regions, along with child marriage, the issue of consanguinity in marriage, though less frequent, has serious repercussions. Over three years, Thào A Hạnh from Pú Khớ hamlet, Ẳng Cang commune (Mường Ảng district) still struggles with the consequences of his actions. In 2021, the village was shocked by a tragic incident involving Vàng Thị S. poisoning her husband’s lover, Cứ Thị B., resulting in B.’s death. The tragedy was a direct result of Hạnh and S.’s consanguineous marriage, which had led to four children, all severely disabled. The incident, followed by a conviction for S., highlights the devastating effects of consanguinity.

Statistics show that in recent years, the rates of child marriage and consanguineous marriages in Điện Biên have remained high, particularly in the districts of Tủa Chùa, Mường Nhé, Nậm Pồ, and Điện Biên Đông. In 2023, 34.4% of all marriages involved child brides, and in 2024, the figure stood at 33.2%. The consanguinity rate for 2023 and 2024 was 0.063% and 0.04%, respectively.

The causes of this situation are both objective and subjective. However, most of the reasons stem from traditional customs, uneven literacy rates, economic hardship, and insufficient access to education. As a result, many young people in the area resort to early marriage. Furthermore, local authorities’ intervention in enforcing laws against child marriage and consanguineous marriage has been insufficient.

Child marriage and consanguinity lead to severe consequences, including legal violations, reproductive health problems, and long-term effects on genetic health, leading to lower intelligence, stunted growth, and higher rates of mortality among children. These issues have a direct impact on population quality.

To combat this, health agencies, local authorities, and organizations have been actively working together to raise awareness, change behaviors, and educate the public. Efforts focus on disseminating information about the Marriage and Family Law, registering marriages and births, promoting reproductive health, and highlighting the harmful effects of child marriage and consanguinity. Educational materials such as brochures are distributed to ensure people understand the importance of family planning and the impact of these practices on their communities.

The education sector plays a crucial role in raising awareness, especially among secondary and high school students. Many schools organize extracurricular activities and competitions to teach students about sexuality and reproductive health. Through drama performances and activities, students can learn about these vital issues, preparing them for healthier future relationships.

While progress has been made in raising awareness about child marriage and consanguinity, long-standing traditions continue to present challenges. A sustained, concerted effort from all levels of government, the community, and the education sector is needed to shift public perceptions and reduce these practices. Only through the collective efforts of all sectors will the prevalence of child marriage and consanguinity decline, improving the quality of life and health in Điện Biên.