Health Crisis in Central Asian Republics Lincoln C Chen Jon E Rohde Richard Jolly The dissolution of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991 triggered off a series of political and economic crises, characterised by hyperinflation, shortages of essential supplies, compromised purchasing power, and reduction of food consumption. Although mass hunger and epidemics have thus far been avoided, economic hardship has become widely shared, especially among vulnerable children, women, the elderly, and other disadvantaged groups. Critical commodities needed by the health care and food systems are rapidly becoming depleted and under severe fiscal constraints, To prevent the potential collapse of a basically sound health care system, the immediate provision of critical vaccines, drugs, and supplies, accompanied by appropriate technical assistance, is urgently needed' Also important are maintaining 'sqfety nets'for vulnerable groups so that they retain purchasing power to meet vital needs. Nutritional interventions especially in the food-deficit republics should be targeted at high risk children and women, accompanied by the promotion of breast-feeding.
