Mr Zhukov said in his address: "The implementation of national projects proceeded productively in the first three quarters of 2009." He said improvements in demographic statistics were evidence of projects' effectiveness.

He cited data showing that 1,321,000 babies were born in the first nine months of the year, which is 47,000, or 3.7%, more than in the same period last year. In January-September, the death rate fell by 66,000 (4.2%) from last year. "On the whole, the natural population decline has slowed by 37.7%," Mr Zhukov said comparing the first nine months in 2009 and 2008. "The birth rate is growing, and the death rate is falling," he said. "The rate of natural loss has diminished substantially."

Mr Zhukov said these figures pointed to the effectiveness of the government's social policies. He emphasised that the death rate had decreased in every area except oncology and called on regional leaders to highlight that issue. The Deputy Prime Minister also called for implementing the Oncology Programme, which was launched in 2009. The death rate from cardio-vascular diseases has decreased by 5%, he said, adding that a national cardio-vascular programme was implemented in seven regions this year and another 14 regions will implement it next year.

Mr Zhukov highlighted the need to maintain the assistance programme for victims of traffic accidents. He said 12 regions participated in the programme in 2009 and another 22 regions located along federal routes would join it in 2010. "The traffic related fatality rate has fallen by over 10% [as a result of the programme]," he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that to date over 7,000 veterans of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 enjoyed improved living conditions. "A total of 7,363 war veterans have improved their living conditions," he said and reminded the audience about the relevant presidential decree. "We must improve the living conditions of all veterans of the Great Patriotic War," Mr Zhukov said.