The appalling level of male health in Russia is one of the main causes of the nation’s demographic crisis.
Despite economic growth of over 6%, the population is plummeting. Russia has just 142.4 million inhabiatants today compared to 150 million in 1991. President Vladimir Putin has has identified the fall as his country’s ‘most grave’ problem.
There is a low birth rate but it is the death rate that is of most concern. The main causes are alcoholism, poor living conditions, a deteriorating health service and diseases such as TB, hepatitis and AIDS.
Men are the major concern. Half of the male population smoke and alcohol is involved in 60% of male heart disease.
