Health Status of Women in the World

Posted on Category:Health
: Health Status of Women in the World

The world has come a long way regarding health in general. Specifically, the health status of women in the world is far much better than it was ten years ago. However, there are still a few issues that keep health practitioners awake at night. The critical issues that are always a problem for women are:

Reproductive health

This is a major concern for women are aged between 15 and 44 years of age. As a matter of fact, reproductive health accounts for at least a third of all issues that affect women. This age bracket is affected because of unsafe sex that is prevalent in developing countries. Governments and other bodies that promote reproductive health among women have a responsibility to make contraceptives available to this age group.

Reproduction health

Cancer

Women are mostly affected by cervical and breast cancers. In order for women to stay and remain alive, these cancers need to be detected at their infant stages. According to statistics released by various organizations including World Health Organization(WHO), close to half a million of women diagnosed with cancer succumb to death.

Unfortunately, the majority of the deaths are reported in countries that have been classified as middle and low income. In these countries, there were programs in place to screen, prevent and treat cancer. Secondly, human papillomavirus was not prevented through vaccination.

Sexually transmitted infections

While all the efforts have been directed towards HIV and AIDS, there is need also to change gears and focus on other STIs. Diseases like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea also need to prevented and treated. If left untreated, genital infections may lead to stillbirths and in worse cases, fetal deaths. Newborns may also die or carry the effects of the STIs throughout their lives. Young women remain vulnerable to HIV infections and tuberculosis.

STI and AIDS

Maternal health

A significant number of women die from complications during pregnancy and when giving birth. These deaths could easily be prevented if there is an improvement in access to family planning.

Non-communicable diseases

Also called lifestyle diseases. These are diseases that could easily be prevented. The major causes of non-communicable diseases are drugs and substance abuse, obesity, alcohol, poor eating habits and being physically inactive. Governments and other stakeholders need to help women adopt lifestyles that are healthy.

Unhealthy lifestyle

Finally, when talking about the health status of women in the world, there is need first to empower the women. Give women opportunities to education and economic freedom. Having achieved these two, women will be able to support themselves and access health services that they need.