Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Ba Thuy has warned against a growing imbalance in the sex ratio in Vietnam.
Speaking at a seminar in Ha Noi December 22, Mr. Thuy, who is also general director of the General Department on Population and Family Planning, said a predominance of males could have dangerous socioeconomic consequences.
He said 112 boys were born for every 100 girls in 2007, a significant increase compared to 1999’s rate of 107:100 and comparable to China’s rate in 1988-1990.
The ratio is alarming considering the natural gender ratio is 103-106 boys for every 100 girls.
Medical and social experts said the skewed ration would result in a lack of would-be mothers and a possibly increase of crimes.
The meeting was held to mark Vietnam Population Day, which has been celebrated every year since 1999 on December 26.
