A Physician's Observations of Karakalpak Health

Abstract

The discussion in this chapter is intended to provide a snapshot of the health picture for western Uzbekistan. The collection of reliable and valid health data is limited and data available is often incomplete. Here we are forced to rely on our observations as physicians. Life expectancy is low in Karakalpakstan, being about 10 years shorter than the national average for both men and women. Changes in the water quality, soil quality, air quality, and food quality, have had negative impact on health and well-being. Life has become more difficult for everyone, especially for much of the population in rural areas, with very limited access to services. Maternal mortality rates are extremely high in these regions. Morbidity rates in the population, in particular blood and blood-related diseases and respiratory disease, are particularly high. Slight improvements are evident in the past few years for these different health indicators, however, further substantial improvements are essential for the health and well-being of the population.

Citation

Arzikulov, R.U., Almatova, L.L. and Safarova, S. (2012), "A Physician's Observations of Karakalpak Health", Edelstein, M.R., Cerny, A. and Gadaev, A. (Ed.) Disaster by Design: The Aral Sea and its Lessons for Sustainability (Research in Social Problems and Public Policy, Vol. 20), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 275-281. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0196-1152(2012)0000020028