Russia tends to boost birthrate

Ahead of the International Women's Day, celebrated in Russia on March 8, a new policy aimed at boosting the birthrate in the country has been discussed by Russian authorities.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin discussed the issue with women working in the education, health and family support sectors. He underlined the importance of motherhood and also expressed hope a new demographic programme will bring positive results.

“We have adopted a new demographic programme and of course it involves women. Alone with maternity allowances we have a package with other social incentives aimed at solving demographic programmes and to support mother,” said Mr Putin.

Afterwards, he discussed the country's demographics at a meeting of the Council on National Projects.

The President said that improving the country's demography concerned everyone – individuals, the government and society as a whole. He noted that one of the crucial tasks is making the lives of Russian families comfortable.

Mr Putin also mentioned the high mortality rate in Russia saying that in order  to increase life expectancy public health must be improved and everyday risk factors reduced.

He also talked about modernising agriculture and living conditions in villages.