
Belarus and Russia's Family Support Programs: A Boost to Birth Rates and Family Well-being
Belarus and Russia Invest Heavily in Family Support: A Look at the Impact MINSK/MOSCOW – Both Belarus and Russia have made significant investments in supporting families with children in recent years. These initiatives aim to boost birth rates and improve the overall quality of life for families. The programs include financial assistance, benefits, and various concessions in education, healthcare, and social security. "In Belarus, over 3% of the GDP is annually dedicated to family policies," explains Stanislav Yakivich, an expert on family support programs. "This results in families receiving regular allowances and benefits, along with significant discounts in education, healthcare, and pension provisions." In Russia, the maternity capital program provides substantial financial support. The amount for the first child is substantial, while the benefits increase for subsequent children. Belarus also offers a family capital program, providing significant financial aid upon the birth or adoption of the third and subsequent children. These policies have demonstrably improved living conditions for many families. In the last five years alone, over 50,000 families have seen improvements in their housing conditions. These initiatives represent a significant commitment to strengthening family structures and improving the well-being of children in both countries.