For decades, maternal health has been at the forefront of global health agendas, with significant investments aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving pregnancy outcomes. While these efforts have led to considerable progress, it is essential to expand our focus beyond maternal health to address the broader spectrum of women health and well-being.
A holistic approach to women health encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects, ensuring that women lead healthy, empowered and fulfilling lives at every stage.
The Need for a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have driven significant improvements in maternal health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global maternal mortality rates have declined by 38% between 2000 and 2017. However, despite these advancements, maternal health remains a critical issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to quality healthcare is limited.
Beyond Maternal Health: A Broader Perspective
While maternal health is crucial, it represents only a fraction of the health challenges women face. Focusing solely on maternal health can overlook other critical aspects of women’s health that impact their overall well-being. Here are some key areas that require attention-
1. Reproductive Health and Rights
The health of women encompasses more than just the childbearing years. Comprehensive reproductive health services, including access to contraception, safe abortion services and sexual health education, are essential for the autonomy of women and well-being. Ensuring that women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health is fundamental to their overall health.
2. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Women are increasingly affected by non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers. According to the WHO, NCDs are the leading cause of death among women globally. Addressing NCDs requires a shift in focus from infectious diseases and maternal health to prevention, early detection and treatment of chronic conditions.
3. Mental Health
Mental health is a critical component of overall health. Women are more likely than men to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, partly due to societal pressures and gender-based violence. Access to mental health services, along with community support, is essential for promoting mental well-being.
4. Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and female genital mutilation, has severe physical and psychological consequences for women. Addressing gender-based violence requires a multi-faceted approach that includes legal protection, social support and community education.
5. Aging and Health
As women age, they face unique health challenges, including menopause, osteoporosis, and increased risk of certain cancers. Healthcare systems must be equipped to address the needs of aging women, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support throughout their lives.
Strategies for a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health
To move beyond maternal health and adopt a holistic approach to women’s well-being, several strategies must be implemented:
1. Integrated Healthcare Services
Healthcare systems should provide integrated services that address the full spectrum of women’s health needs. This includes reproductive health, preventive care, mental health services and management of chronic conditions. Integrated care ensures that women receive comprehensive, continuous and coordinated healthcare throughout their lives.
2. Education and Empowerment
Education is a powerful tool for improving the health of women. Comprehensive sexual health education, health literacy programmes and empowerment initiatives can equip women with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health. Empowering women to take control of their health leads to better health outcomes and overall well-being.
3. Community-Based Approaches
Community-based approaches are essential for addressing the social determinants of health. Engaging communities in health promotion activities, providing support for victims of gender-based violence and fostering supportive environments can improve health outcomes. Community health workers and peer support groups play a crucial role in these efforts.
4. Policy and Advocacy
Advocacy for policies that promote gender equality and protect the health rights of women is crucial. This includes advocating for laws that address gender-based violence, ensuring access to reproductive health services and promoting workplace policies that support women health. Policymakers must prioritise women health in national health agendas and allocate resources accordingly.
5. Research and Data Collection
Investing in research and data collection is essential for understanding the healthcare needs of women and developing effective interventions. Gender-specific health research can identify gaps in healthcare delivery and inform policies and programmes. Additionally, collecting data on social determinants of health, such as education and income, can provide insights into the factors influencing the health of women.
India’s National Health Mission
India’s National Health Mission (NHM) aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to rural and urban populations. The NHM includes components for maternal health, child health, and non-communicable diseases, reflecting a comprehensive approach to health. Community health workers, known as ASHAs, play a vital role in delivering health services and promoting health education at the grassroots level.
Working towards a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health
Moving beyond maternal health to adopt a holistic approach to women’s well-being is essential for achieving gender equality and improving health outcomes. By addressing the full spectrum of women’s health needs, including reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, mental health and gender-based violence, we can ensure that women lead healthy, empowered and fulfilling lives.
Integrated healthcare services, education and empowerment initiatives, community-based approaches, policy advocacy and research are critical strategies for achieving this goal. As we strive to improve women’s health, we must remember that true well-being encompasses physical, mental and social dimensions, requiring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.