Causes of Male Mortality in India - Essay Example

Sri Lanka is an Asian country located to the south of India. The country attained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 and has developed into a politically stable nation with an area of approximately 65000 square miles and a population of about 20 million. The country is known for its vast presence in cricket. Aside from the common political wrangles that exist in the region, the country continues to experience a great political climate and stable leadership. The nation is indeed one of the most peaceful Asian countries in the world and has been so for decades.

The nation, despite boasting of a great political climate, has a host of health problems that need urgent concern. One such factor that cannot continue to be overlooked is the male mortality in the nation. According to the Asian Tribune website, www.asiantribune.com, Sri Lanka has the highest number of liver-related deaths in the Asian continent. A majority of these fatalities are associated with the male gender. Liver cirrhosis is the cause of the majority of liver failures in the region. The disease (liver cirrhosis) is attributed to heavy consumption of alcohol. This tells of a very harmful drinking culture in the nation.

Sri Lanka records the highest male-female mortality ratio in the world. This is becoming a growing concern in the nation as the country is slowly degenerating into a product-less society. Most males ranging between 35-64 years of age are heavy alcohol drinkers. The country’s poverty index is arguably high and such may be the leading factor to the alcoholism problem. The fact that the male-dominated society is predominantly Indian, decries the possibility of alcohol consumption among women. This could explain the reason why the male-to-women mortality ratio is high.

Alcoholism in the Sri-Lanka leads to a majority of male deaths as not only are conditions such as cirrhosis inevitable, other diseases such as hepatitis A and B are common in the region. The liver is the most important homoeostatic organ in the body and its regulation of blood sugar and salt levels leads to a healthy state of osmotic balance in the body. By suffering liver failure, the body is also put at risk of circumstantial ailments. These include; diabetes, hypertension and haemophilia. Essentially, not only do the Sri Lankan alcohol abusers suffer potentially lethal cirrhosis, they are under threat to contact with any of the mentioned ailments, all of which have adversely undesired side effects and symptoms.

Male mortality in all regions of the world is a factor any government would want to consider concerning the productivity of its nation. Not only does a government shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the health of its citizens, but it also risks protracted economic damage if the men in society are either feeble or in poor health conditions. Lives are at risk, family stability is at risk, and the productivity of the whole nation is at risk. The women and children who depend on these men are also disadvantaged. It is thus of necessity that a government, such as Sri Lanka, address this growing health concern in the country.