American scientists report that Ukraine has the highest mortality rate in the world – 18.6 deaths per thousand people. This is indeed a worrying indicator, as it points to serious health problems of the population, social policies, and other aspects affecting the overall quality of life.
Lithuania and Serbia also on the list
Not only Ukraine suffers from a high mortality rate. Lithuania with a rate of 15.02 deaths per thousand people takes the second place, and Serbia – the third place (14.9). This indicates that many European countries are facing problems leading to high mortality rates.
Why is the mortality rate so high?
There are several reasons for such a high mortality rate in Ukraine. In addition to the direct consequences of war, economic crisis, low healthcare quality, as well as the increase in stress-related illnesses and deteriorating environmental situation, significantly impact these indicators. According to the World Health Organization, Ukraine also has one of the highest mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases and oncology. Lack of quality medical care, stressful living conditions due to war, and low quality of life in many regions of the country exacerbate this problem.
At the bottom of the list
In addition to the highest mortality rate, Ukraine also has the lowest birth rate. According to CIA data, Ukraine ranks 228th in this indicator. This means that only six children are born per thousand people. For comparison, African countries have the highest birth rates, which can exceed 40 children per thousand people. Therefore, this indicator does not necessarily indicate stability and a high quality of life. On the contrary. Although in the case of Ukraine, this “contrary” does not work.
Why is the birth rate declining?
Low birth rates in Ukraine are a result of several factors: war, economic difficulties, migration of young population to other countries, as well as fear for the future. Many Ukrainians postpone having children due to the instability in the country. According to the UN, Ukraine has been experiencing a continual decline in population since the 1990s, and this trend continues to deepen.
What’s Next?
The consequences of such demographic changes can have a long-term impact on the country. Declining birth rates and high mortality could lead to a significant reduction in the workforce, which will have a negative effect on the country’s economy. It also creates additional pressure on social services, especially on the pension system.
