Vietnam 's life expectancy is anticipated to increase by three years to 75 by 2020, according to the Ministry of Health's National Draft Strategy on People's Health Care by 2020.

The strategy is being outlined by the ministry in accordance with the Prime Minister's decision to protect and improve the health of Vietnamese people.

"Life expectancy in Vietnam has increased in recent years due to social and economic development," said Hoang Kim Ha, from the ministry's Department of Finance and Planning.

According to the 2009 national census, life expectancy reached an average of 72.8 years in 2009; 70.2 years among men and 75.6 years among women. The result exceeded 2010's target of 72 years.

The draft strategy also targets reducing the malnourishment rate among children under five years old to 15 percent by 2015 and 12 percent by 2020.

Under the draft, Vietnam 's population is expected to stay under 93 million by 2015.

The ministry has proposed 11 major measures, including strengthening organisation of the medical sector, promoting preventive medicine and HIV/AIDS prevention and control, and developing human resources.

The draft strategy has been opened to comment for further ideas and suggestions./.