WHO calls for more action to improve women's health

Mar 7, 2011, 6:17 GMT

Manila - The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday urged governments in Asia and the Pacific to step up efforts to improve health services for women in the region.

The agency said there has been some progress in promoting women's rights but 'much more needs to be done to create a genuine impact on the status of women, especially in developing countries.'

'Renewed political commitment and stronger government leadership are needed,' said Dr Shin Young Soo, the WHO's regional director for the Western Pacific region, which covers 37 countries.

'Clearly, societies and health systems are not doing enough to protect women's health and well-being,' he added.

Shin said women's health is not only determined by biological characteristics, but by a range of social factors that limit the ability of women to protect their health and obtain timely and appropriate health care.

He cited discrimination as a social factor that greatly disadvantages girls even before birth through practices such as sex-selective abortion.

'Some households favour boys over girls when investing in nutrition, education and health, especially when resources are scarce,' he added.

The WHO said among the key issues that must be addressed are unacceptably high maternal mortality ratios, malnutrition among girls, gender-based violence, unintended adolescent pregnancy and higher risk to HIV/AIDS.

'Women face multiple barriers to access health services, including unaffordable out-of-pocket payments, lack of confidentiality and biased or unsympathetic attitudes of health providers,' it added.

Shin called for new strategies and approaches to improve the health of women in the region.

'Action from various sectors, such as health, education and labour, is also essential to address the multiple social determinants of women's health,' he added.

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