The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan chaired a consultative meeting to discuss Armenia’s demographic situation improvement program and the relevant action plan for 2016-2018.

Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan dwelt on the program priorities and targets, as well as the planned activities and projected results. In turn, Healthcare Minister Armen Muradyan introduced the ongoing reproductive health improvement activities and the steps aimed at increasing fertility and birth rate, preventing maternal and infant mortality. The Minister stressed that the introduction of birth assistance certificates has led to better control of future mothers’ health status.

The annual funding of the program of birth certificates was reported up to AMD 7 billion from 4 billion, owing to which maternal and infant mortality has been significantly reduced nationwide. In particular, 8 incidences of maternal mortality were recorded in 2013, while only 5 such cases were stated in 2015.

Neonatal mortality rate in 1000 live-births was 11.7 percent in 2011 and 8.7 in 2014 respectively. There is a significant decrease in the rate of non-fertility, which was 31.9 percent in 1999 and 14.8 percent in 2014. It was noted that over 30 thousand early birth interruptions were carried out in 1995, with only 13 thousand implemented in 2014.

During the exchange of views that followed, the speakers came up with a number of proposals and recommendations. PM Abrahamyan highlighted the importance of holding public discussions on the demographic situation improvement program for 2016-2018 in order to adopt it as soon as possible.

The Premier underscored that the Government pays special attention to demographic situation improvement activities and will continue to foster the growth of birth rate through various programs.

The Prime Minister instructed the stakeholders to discuss the proposals voiced during the consultation, set program priorities and submit them to the Government.