Abstract
Moldova is characterized by a low life expectancy at birth compared to West European countries and other countries in the region. That is mainly caused by a high level of mortality in the working-age population, a much more obvious situation in males.
The aim of this research is to analyze the dynamic of male premature mortality in the last two decades. The main indicator used in this research is represented by PYLL (Potential Years of Life Lost).
It is important to state that after independence - in 1991 - males in Moldova had a similar level of life expectancy at birth and of premature mortality with males from Estonia. However, in time, Estonia has a spectacular gains in reducing general and premature mortality in males, Moldova is lacking behind in this sense.