Health care for women is reportedly insufficient around the world, especially during their adolescence and old age. 80% of health care and 90% of care for AIDS-related ailments in the world are however provided by women.
WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan said political, economic and social power is predominantly held by men “in so many societies”. “These inequalities in power relations translate into unequal access to health care and unequal control of health resources,” she said.
The AIDS virus, conditions related to pregnancy and tuberculosis are still believed to be the main culprits of deaths among women aged 15 to 45 globally.
The report also recalls that heart attacks and strokes, often considered male problems, are the two conditions causing the most mortality in women.
Lack of access to education, lack of decision-making power and low income could limit women’s ability to protect their own health.
WHO advocates bolder leadership mechanisms, with the participation of women, and strengthening health systems “so that they are better suited to the needs of women”.
Source: WHO
