Armenia has experienced troubling demographic trends during the first seven months of 2024, with a notable 6.3% increase in mortality rates and a significant 7.6% decline in birth rates. These shifts have raised concerns about the country’s population growth and public health, as both rising death rates and falling birth rates threaten the demographic balance. This is according to recent data from Armenia’s National Statistical Committee.
Between January and July 2024, a total of 15,166 people died in Armenia, marking a 6.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, responsible for 8,151 lives (53.8% of all deaths), an increase of 6.6% from the previous year. Cancer (neoplasms) was the second most common cause, accounting for 3,039 deaths (20% of cases), reflecting a 2.4% increase.
Other notable causes of death saw significant increases. Digestive system diseases led to 805 fatalities, representing a 20.9% rise. Endocrine system disorders resulted in 285 deaths, up by 10.9%, while respiratory diseases claimed 1,425 lives, a 10.5% increase. External causes such as accidents or injuries accounted for 610 deaths (4% of the total), reflecting a 9.1% rise. Particularly alarming is the 50% increase in deaths from infectious diseases, which claimed 123 lives, signaling growing health concerns in the country.
Simultaneously, Armenia has seen a sharp decline in birth rates. From January to July 2024, 18,632 children were born, representing a 7.6% drop compared to the 20,157 births recorded during the same period in 2023. This decline has been consistent since the beginning of the year.
A concerning aspect of the demographic shift is the 9.7% rise in stillbirths, with 227 cases reported, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase adds to the overall challenges facing Armenia’s population growth.
As a result of these trends, the vitality index”a key demographic indicator measuring the ratio of births to deaths”dropped from 141.2% in the first seven months of 2023 to 122.9% in 2024, highlighting the growing imbalance between births and deaths.
The rise in mortality across various health conditions, combined with the decline in birth rates, underscores the demographic and public health challenges Armenia faces. Addressing these trends through health initiatives and policies aimed at reversing the declining birth rate will be essential for ensuring long-term population stability and improving health outcomes.
