Women and men face many similar health problems, but the differences are of such magnitude that women's health deserves particular attention. It is the case of pregnancy and childbirth, which pose risks for women and require healthcare.
Other differences between men's and women's living and health conditions mean that WHO has prepared a report on women and health in a broad sense, since it addresses both their health needs and their contribution to the health of society.
Other problems also appear affecting men and women, but they have a greater or different effect on them, which therefore need answers tailored specifically to their needs.
The report highlights fundamental problems in different regions of the world, some well known and others that demand more attention, and points out opportunities to progress more rapidly.
Inequalities such as exposure to the risks of sexually transmitted diseases, diseases exclusive to women such as cervical cancer and health risks linked to pregnancy and childbirth, are some of the fundamental issues and those that interest us most from Babies and more.
Women's reproductive and sexual health
Women's health during the reproductive or fertile years is important not only for themselves, but also because it also has repercussions on the health and development of the next generation. During that period, many of the health problems are exclusive to girls and women.
For example, complications of pregnancy and childbirth They are the leading cause of death in women aged 15-19 in developing countries.
Globally, the leading cause of death of women of reproductive age is AIDS. Girls and women are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection due to a combination of biological factors and gender inequalities.
In low and middle income countries, the most important risk factors for death and disability in this age group are the lack of contraceptive means and risky sexual practices. Both result in unwanted pregnancies, dangerous abortions, pregnancy and childbirth complications, and sexually transmitted infections, particularly those caused by HIV.
Violence is another important risk for the sexual and reproductive health of women that can also cause mental disorders and other chronic health problems.
Although the report also clarifies that their needs go beyond the sexual and reproductive sphere, and also highlight the important role of women in society: in their productive and reproductive function, as consumers and, at the same level of importance, as health care providers.
By examining the data collected and setting the agenda for the future, the report points the way towards the necessary measures to improve the health of girls and women around the world.
The purpose is to provide the foundations to stimulate the performance of countries, agencies and development partners. And all because, as they point out in their pages, "Improving women's health is improving the world."
Definitely, the WHO report "Women and health" is a must read to know the inequalities that still persist in the world and the particular conditions of girls and women that could be improved with proper attention.
Official Site | WHO In Babies and more | Maternal mortality figures worldwide, UNICEF warns of high maternal mortality, Pregnancy in adolescence
