Unfortunately, as the article explains, problems in life expectancy, birth rates, and deaths rates can not be fixed on their own. Even if the problems are societal factors, the government and health professionals need to intervene and help the citizens change their behavior.
Some of the largest causes of death in Russian working age men are alcohol and smoking related deaths, traffic accidents, and violent crimes. These are all societal factors working against life expectancy and overall happiness of Russian men. Maybe health interventions need to be more focused on smoking cesation, drinking in moderation, safer traffic practices, and working with law enforcement to lower violent crimes.
Tatyana Yakovleva, the chairman of the Duma health commission, called for the increase in child-birth allowance. I think that along with this if they increase the amount of child support given for children with divorced parents, some of the pediatric health inequalities can improve.
According to the article, there are an alarmingly high amount of abortions that contribute to the low birth rate. Although it wouldn't help the birth rate there is definitely a need for a health intervention for contraceptives and birth control. Also, if the child-birth allowance was increased like Yakovleva suggested then it might be easier for some of these women to be assured that they will not have to struggle to take care of their children.
There is no easy answer to the problems that Russia is facing. However, making small changes to society and the way they view health can make a big difference.
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