ARMENIAN POPULATION ENDANGERED

news.am
May 6 2010
Armenia

The present demographic situation in Armenia arouses serious
concern. If the current population growth rates continue, the Armenian
population will reduce twice in 40-45 years, Gayane Avagyan, Senior
Specialist, Maternity and Child Care Department, RA Ministry of Health,
told a press conference.

As regards population growth, Armenia ranks 205th among 229 countries,
she said. "For the present population size to be preserved each family
has to have at least two children, while three and more children have
to be born for the population to increase," Avagyan said. She pointed
out that Armenian women most often have children at the age of 25-32,
and men at the age of 25-35. However, social reasons cause the age
limits to rise.

Speaking of the problem of sterility, she pointed out a considerable
reduction in sterility rate in Armenia recently. Specifically,
the primary sterility rate is 5.3% for women and 2.7% for men. The
second sterility rate is 11% and 2.6% respectively. Among the
causes are infections, endocrine diseases and impotence. Only 8% of
the cases are considered incurable. Avagyan said that treatment of
sterility and artificial insemination are expensive. She hopes that
the Government will be able to subsidize the treatment of socially
vulnerable families.

The experts pointed out that the Government has budgeted funds for
women during childbirth and post-childbirth period. "Women receive
50,000 AMD after having the first child and 450,000 after having the
third. Also, the monthly child benefit is 18,000 AMD," Avagyan said.

She pointed out that the Government’s measures are aimed to increase
birthrate. Avagyan also reported that cesarean births constitute
13-14 per cent in Armenia.

As regards cancer, particularly cervical carcinoma, she said that
necessary analyses are made free of charge. Also, vaccination is
available for women. "We intend to purchase vaccines and carry out
compulsory vaccination of teenagers aged 15-16," Avagyan said.