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Dmitry Medvedev spells out steps to fight alcoholism

Tags: Society
 
Aug 12, 2009 22:22 Moscow Time
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photo RIANCheap and homemade alcohol kills more than 50% of men and women of working age in Russia. In recent years half of all deaths in Russia, especially of men aged 15 to 54, have been caused by alcohol. When he  learned the statistics, President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev held a meeting In Sochi on anti-alcohol measures.. This is how he addressed the audience…

"Alcohol and its substitutes are one of the main reasons for such a high mortality rate in Russia. Evidently, our demographic problems are closely linked to alcohol consumption. We all know that alcoholism causes grave cardio-vascular diseases, suicides and makes people commit serious crimes. Apart from this, I guess 80% of all traumas occur when people are under influence. Just a few days ago, at the meeting on traffic security, we learned that almost 5,000 road accidents over the past six months occurred because of drunk driving. The statistics are really shocking: 8,000 deaths and grave injures.

Mr. Medvedev characterized the situation as ‘critical’ and suggested a package of measures to fight alcoholism in Russia. First of all, it is necessary to stop alcohol consumption by the young people and tighten punishment for selling alcohol to teenagers. Among other steps, the president mentioned a new approach to the production and sales of beer and low-alcohol drinks. Healthy lifestyle should be urgently promoted among the young people. “Alcoholism is a longtime problem and it cannot be solved quickly…That is why all proposals require thorough analysis and discussion, involving the heads of all Russian regions”, said the president.

Certainly, an anti-alcohol campaign will require huge financial allocations but the authorities are ready to do everything possible to help people give up their bad habits and lead a healthy way of life.

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