Top ten issues for women's health
Here are ten major concerns regarding women's health that need
urgent attention:
Cancer: Breast and cervical cancers are among the most common cancers affecting women.
Early detection is crucial to save lives. Unfortunately, about half a million women die from each of these cancers every year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries where access to screening and treatment is limited. Increased vaccination against human papillomavirus(HPV) is also essential.
Reproductive Health: Sexual and reproductive health issues account for one-third of health concerns among women aged 15 to 44.Unsafe sex is a risk, especially in significant developing countries. It's vital to provide contraception services to the 222 million womenwho currently lack access.
Maternal Health: While there have been significant improvements in
maternal care, many women still do not benefit from them. In 2013, nearly 300,000 women died from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications, many of which could have been prevented with better access to family planning and basic healthcare services.
HIV: Young women are disproportionately affected by new HIV
infections.Many struggle to protect themselves from sexual transmission
and to access necessary treatments, which also leaves them vulnerable to tuberculosis, a leading cause of death among women in low-income countries.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Beyond HIV and HPV, preventing and treating STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis is crucial. Untreated syphilis causes over 200,000 stillbirths and early fetal deaths each year, along with the deaths of over 90,000 newborns.
Violence Against Women: Physical and sexual violence, whetherby a partner or others, affects one in three women under 50. This violence has severe short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health. Health care providers must be vigilant in identifying and supporting those affected.
Mental Health: Women are more prone than men to experience anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints. Depression is the most common mental health issue among women, with suicide being a leading cause of death for women under 60. Raising awareness and encouraging women to seek help is vital.
Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs): In 2012, approximately 4.7 million women died from NCDs before age 70, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. These include conditions related to road accidents, tobacco use, alcohol, drug abuse, and obesity. Promoting healthy lifestyles from an early age is essential.
Adolescent Health: Young girls face numerous sexual and reproductive health challenges, including STIs, HIV, and pregnancy. About 13 million adolescent girls give birth each year, with complications being a leading cause of death. Many suffer from the consequences of unsafe abortions.
Aging: Older women often have less access to healthcare and social services compared to men, along with a higher risk of poverty, dementia, and abuse. Addressing these issues is critical for their well-being.
While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are dedicated to strengthening health systems, ensuring robust financing, and training sufficient healthcare workers. The upcoming United Nations Commission on the Status ofWomen will revisit the commitments made in the 1995 Beijing Declaration, with the goal of renewing global efforts to eliminate health inequalities.
WHO is also working on a new global strategy for women's, children's, and adolescents' health, aligned with the post-2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This strategy aims to set targets and mobilize commitments in policy, financing, and action to ensure that every woman and girl, no matter where they live, can access quality healthcare.
