The life expectancy of Russian men has fallen from 62 to 58 years since 1980. Significant drops in the life expectancy of men has also been noted in Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania. Rising poverty, unemployment and financial insecurity are major factors behind this self destructive behavior. Alcoholism and drug misuse are also major problems. Deterioration of social services and cutbacks in health spending exacerbate the problem.
Tuberculosis poses major threat to Philippines.
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of tuberculosis including overcrowding, poor ventilation, malnutrition, delayed diagnosis, high cost of medication, and an increasing prevalence of drug resistance. It is estimated that more than one third of all Filipinos live below the poverty line. At present in the Philippines, tuberculosis ranks as the fourth cause of death, responsible for the death of about 20,000 people yearly and the disability of hundreds of thousands more. Euthanasia law could be extended to 12-years old in Holland. Dutch ministers proposed a bill to extend euthanasia and assisted suicide to children as young as 12 years even if their parents disagree.