OREANDA-NEWS  The activity of the spread of COVID-19 in Russia is decreasing, said the head of the Ministry of Health Mikhail Murashko. Nevertheless, the Minister noted the importance of timely vaccination of men and women of reproductive age, since, according to him, the pandemic has affected the reproductive health of Russians.

"The pandemic has affected the reproductive health of the nation, including long—term consequences, therefore, despite the decrease in the activity of the new coronavirus infection, vaccination remains an urgent issue," the minister said at the opening of the XVII International Congress on Reproductive Medicine.

Mr. Murashko noted that currently it is necessary to continue work on vaccination of men and women of reproductive age at the stage of planning the birth of children, as well as pregnant women.

After the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in Russia, experts of the Ministry of Health noted that the infection can cause damage to the ovaries and spermatozoa, having a negative impact on the female and male reproductive system. However, after the patient recovers, the indicators return to normal. According to Mr. Murashko, the studies have proved that the drugs for vaccination against COVID-19 do not have a negative impact on human reproductive health.

The largest decrease in the birth rate in Russia against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic was recorded in 2020. However, according to Rosstat data for February 2022, the birth rate for January—February decreased by only 0.1% (from 8.8 to 8.7 births per 1,000 people compared to the same period in 2021).

Over the past week, the number of new cases of coronavirus has increased by 40.5%. The number of hospitalizations has also increased, in terms of 100 thousand residents — by 32.1%.