Dzerzhinsk’s health crisis exposed as only 20% of residents found healthy
A large-scale health screening in Dzerzhinsk, Russia, has revealed concerning trends among its residents. Out of 41,292 examined individuals, only 8,258 were found to be completely healthy, while thousands showed signs of serious health conditions.
The study uncovered widespread weight-related issues. Nearly 30,000 residents suffer from excess weight, with 28,594 deemed at risk due to poor dietary habits. High cholesterol was detected in 10,000 people, further highlighting metabolic concerns.
Blood sugar problems were also common. A total of 2,355 residents had elevated glucose levels, while 137 were diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, 842 individuals were identified with heart and vascular diseases. Eye health emerged as another concern, with 112 residents found to have glaucoma. These findings follow years of health initiatives led by the Russian Ministry of Health, local authorities in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, and international organisations like the WHO and UNEP. Since 2020, programmes have focused on detoxification and disease prevention, particularly addressing environmental pollution from chemical plants. Despite these efforts, the latest data shows persistent health challenges in the city.
The results underscore the need for continued health interventions in Dzerzhinsk. With only a small fraction of the population in good health, authorities may face pressure to expand prevention and treatment programmes. The high rates of weight-related, cardiovascular, and metabolic conditions suggest long-term public health priorities remain unresolved.
