Women living longer, not necessarily healthier: WHO

By Sheilah Downey 

The major killers of women ages 15 to 45 throughout the world are the HIV virus, pregnancy-related conditions and tuberculosis, according to a report from the World Health Organization. 

Heart attacks and stroke, thought of commonly as male problems, are the two leading causes of death in all women regardless of age. Complicating the diagnoses of these diseases, says the report, is that women show different symptoms than men. Also, women tend to develop heart disease later in life than men. 

Despite considerable progress in the past, society as a whole has failed to meet the needs of women at key moments in their lives, said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General in a press release today. 

"If women are denied a chance to develop their full human potential, including their potential to lead healthier and at least somewhat happier lives, is society as a whole really healthy?" asked Dr. Chan. "What does this say about the state of social progress in the 21st century?" 

Dr. Chan called for urgent action in global health sectors to improve the lives of girls and women from birth to old age in the report entitled "Women and health: today's evidence tomorrow's agenda." 

It is estimated that worldwide, women provide the bulk of health care either in the home or the health care system. For instance, the report states that from 80 to 90 percent of care for HIV/AIDS illness is provided in the home, mostly by women. Often the women go unsupported and unpaid for these services.

Care for pregnancy is more likely to be available to women, while mental health, sexual violence and treatment for cervical cancer are less available.

In many countries, sexual and reproductive health focus on married women, while single women are ignored. 

"It's time to pay girls and women back," said Dr. Chan, "to make sure they get the care and support they need to enjoy a fundamental human right at every moment of their lives, that is their right to health."

Women throughout the world face similar challenges in today's world, including discrimination, violence and poverty which increase their risk of poor health. 

"We will not see significant progress as long as women are regarded as second-class citizens in so many parts of the world," Dr. Chan said. "In so many societies, men exercise political, social and economic control. The health sector has to be concerned. These unequal power relations translate into unequal access to health care and unequal control over health resources." 

Strategies for improvement of women's health include strong leadership from women's organizations and strengthening health systems to focus on women's needs throughout their lives. 

Gender inequality and socioeconomic and cultural barriers that prevent women from protecting their health must be taken into full account, the report states.