President Truong Tan Sang says population and family planning programs have contributed remarkably to boosting socio-economic development, achieving Millennium Development Goals, and reducing poverty in Vietnam. According to reports delivered at a ceremony marking the 50th Traditional Day of the population and family planning sector, the average number of children born to a reproductive age woman has dropped from 6.3 to 2 and average life expectancy has increased from 40 to 73 over the past half a century. Minister of Public Health, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien addressed the celebration in Hanoi on Tuesday: Population and family planning work in Vietnam has become a major drive. Achievements gained in this area have helped raise per capita income and improve the quality of life.”