Iran's deputy health minister has sounded the alarm over the country's rapidly aging population. The official warned that if current demographic trends persist, Iran's population could dwindle to a mere 42 million by 2101, with a staggering half of the population comprising elderly individuals, reports Irna.
This stark projection highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to address the impending demographic crisis in the country.
In a press conference on Sunday, Alireza Raisi stressed that one of the priorities of the Health Ministry is to attempt to keep the population young. He said, however, that in about 17 years, one out of every three Iranians will be elderly.
He warned that the death rate will exceed the birth rate in the foreseeable future if the current trends go on with.
“When our population decreases to 42 million, some neighboring countries will have 550 million and 350 million people, and with these numbers, we must realize the depth of the disaster,” Raisi said.
He further emphasized that Iran is the only nation globally to have reduced its average family size from six children to one within a mere decade. He warned, 'If this trend persists, the nation of Iran may cease to exist within a century. This is a grave matter that demands immediate attention.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
