Peace Through Healthcare? The Future of Russia Foundation
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When the economy of a country is in turmoil, problems manifest themselves in a variety of ways -- many of them related to health care. In Russia, health officials say a collapsing health care system -- after years of government-controlled health care -- has created an alarming increase in the rate of infant mortality.
One noted scholar, Murray Fishback, has speculated that absent intervention to reverse current trends, Russia's population may be less than 100 million people by the middle of the century. It is hard to imagine a Russia with the precipitous decline in economic prosperity that will result from such a population decline as a stable part of modern civilization.
In addition to the evident economic crisis and emerging humanitarian tragedy, a weakened Russia, in possession of weapons of mass destruction and boasting strategic natural resources, could constitute a serious new threat to national security around the world.
The Future of Russia Foundation (FORF) has embarked on a comprehensive effort to improve health care for mothers and infants in Russia through partnerships with other American organizations such as the Rotary Club of Atlanta. For instance, the Rossica Rotary Club in Moscow has joined with the Rotary Club of Atlanta to help acquire modern medical equipment for the Moscow Region Perinatal Center in Balashikha, Russia
"Today, more than 50 percent of Russian babies are born unhealthy, and infant mortality is unacceptably high," said Dr. A.W. Brann Jr., an Emory University School of Medicine professor of pediatrics and FORF's medical director. "The biggest need right now is to help a woman have and carry to term a pregnancy she wants to have."
The Future of Russia Foundation was created in August 2001 as an American-based, not-for-profit foundation by Tom and Ann Murray of Sandusky, Ohio. The mission of the Future of Russia Foundation is to help Russia build a modern, sustainable health care delivery system for women and infants focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality.
The Future of Russia Foundation has a strong working relationship with the Russian Minister of Health, Dr. Vladimar Y. Semenov, and Deputy Minister for Maternal Child Health, Dr. Gayane Tamazyan.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Tamazyan, has introduced the FORF to Deputy Galina S. Utkina, M.D., and chairperson of the Public Health Committee of the Moscow Regional Duma, who applauded and encouraged the activities of the FORF. Dr. Utkina expressed a desire to develop an ongoing working relationship with FORF to assist the Duma, especially in the area of public health law and other needed directions to reduce maternal and infant mortality
Balashikha Project, for example, was conceived by Tom Murray, one of the FORF founders. It represents interaction between two important movements. One is commonly called "globalization," a process fueled by the global economy and Internet access, which sharpens our awareness of the essential unity and interdependence of the human family. The other is a reaction, a new kind of tribalism which seeks the company of kindred souls and appreciates the particular concrete realities of life.
Tom Murray has said he learned better than most how to make tension between the globalization and tribalism fruitful. Solidly rooted in his own religious convictions and supported by his wife, Ann, he has opened his mind and heart to the Russian people in a mutual process of giving and receiving. From them, he says he has received spiritual gifts which have expanded his vision and nourished his soul. In response, he has found a creative way to help Russian mothers and children in a very concrete way.
According to the Future of Russia founders, if no aggressive intervention is implemented, the current heath care situation will lead to catastrophic longer-term demographic conditions in Russia.
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