Women’s Health: A Shift to Life-Course Approach
The theme of Women’s Day, ‘Give to Gain’, highlights the importance of women paying attention to their health. Investing in women’s health not only promotes equity but benefits families, workplaces, and the economy.
Achievements in Women’s Health
- India has made significant progress in improving women’s health, especially during childbearing years.
- The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) decreased from 362 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to about 80 per 100,000 in 2023.
- Initiatives under the National Health Mission (NHM) have been instrumental by promoting institutional deliveries and skilled birth attendants.
Challenges in Women’s Midlife Health
Despite progress, women’s health beyond childbearing years remains overlooked, especially with rising Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
- Women in their 30s and 40s are increasingly affected by chronic diseases like hypertension and thyroid disorders.
- 106 per 1,000 women report at least one NCD compared to 65 per 1,000 men.
- Women’s health issues are often misdiagnosed due to a male-centric symptom profile.
Addressing Invisibility in Women’s Health
Medicine and design often overlook women’s unique needs, leading to late diagnoses and complex treatments.
- Autoimmune disorders in women often present as generic symptoms and are under-investigated.
- Women’s health research and innovation have been historically neglected.
- Everyday objects and spaces are often designed with a male default, ignoring women’s biomechanical differences.
Life-Course Approach and Future Directions
There is a need to shift from stage-specific focus to a life-course approach in women’s health, considering early exposures and lifestyle factors.
- Health and Wellness Centres are expanding to include chronic disease management.
- Screening programs for breast and cervical cancers are being broadened to include conditions like anaemia and autoimmune disorders.
- Success depends on deploying sufficient frontline capacity and resources.
Conclusion
Women must be encouraged to prioritize their health to gain broader societal and economic benefits. The theme ‘Give to Gain’ embodies this ethos, emphasizing vigilance and attention to women’s health across all life stages.
