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| Leaders of the Ministry of Health and Hue City take part in a ritual act marking the launch ceremony |
Held annually nationwide from October 1 to 7, Safe Motherhood Week aims to strengthen public communication, raise awareness, and encourage practical actions to improve maternal and child health care.
In 2026, the campaign focuses on gestational blood sugar control to underscore the importance of early detection and effective management of gestational diabetes. Data from specialized maternity hospitals show that the proportion of screened pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes rose from around 3-4% in 2001-2004 to approximately 20% in recent years.
Gestational diabetes can develop silently, often without clear symptoms. If not detected and properly managed, it may raise the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, a larger-than-normal fetus, low blood sugar in newborns, breathing difficulties, and other complications.
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| Nutrition counseling for pregnant women at Hue City Center for Disease Control |
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen stressed that controlling blood sugar levels during pregnancy not only protects mothers’ health but also supports the healthy development of their babies. Pregnant women are advised to attend regular antenatal check-ups, undergo screening at the recommended time, and follow guidance from healthcare professionals.
During this year’s Safe Motherhood Week, the health sector will step up communication through the press, digital media, workshops, and counseling services at healthcare facilities and in the community. Pregnant women will be encouraged to have regular antenatal check-ups and undergo screening for gestational diabetes proactively. Women with a history of gestational diabetes will receive guidance on nutrition and physical activity, along with postpartum diabetes screening between 4 and 12 weeks after delivery.
In Hue City, maternal, child, and reproductive healthcare continues to receive close attention. In the first 6 months of 2026, the city recorded around 8,872 pregnant women and 5,354 births. The rate of pregnant women receiving antenatal care reached 99.98%, while 99.5% had at least four antenatal check-ups during pregnancy. 99.96% of births took place at healthcare facilities with the assistance of skilled birth attendants. Prenatal and newborn screening rates were both above 90%.
According to Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee Ha Van Tuan, as social conditions change, non-communicable diseases are becoming increasingly common, with gestational diabetes emerging as a health concern that requires greater attention. Regular antenatal check-ups, timely screening, a balanced diet, appropriate physical activity, and adherence to healthcare guidance all play an important role in preventing and managing the associated risks.