Opinion | Unveiling Women's Health Disparities This Women's Day

05:34 PM Mar 08, 2024 | Priyanka Barman

 

"Health is not just a matter of DNA, but of opportunity. For women, the right to health is the cornerstone of equality. Let's honour women's health as our collective treasure." - Audrey Hepburn

Another Women's Day rolls around, and we're still treating women's health issues like hidden chapters in an old textbook. Maybe this year, we can start reading them aloud, and not stop by simply yearning. The United Nations has chosen the topic of 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' for 2024 to address economic disempowerment, while this year's campaign theme is 'Inspire Inclusion.' It stresses the importance of empowerment and diversity in every part of society.

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Empowering women's health is the foundation of a thriving society. Women's health in India encompasses a broad spectrum of concerns, ranging from reproductive health to mental well-being, influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and cultural practices.

As we celebrate Women's Day, it is crucial to address the health disparities that disproportionately affect women worldwide, particularly in the domain of blood-related disorders such as anaemia. Anaemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin, significantly impacts women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and girls, contributing to morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life. Anaemia affects a considerable portion of the global population, with a marked prevalence among women. Studies reveal a staggering average prevalence rate of 46.5% among women of reproductive age in developing countries, ranging from 18.1% to 75% across different studies. This wide range underscores the variability of anaemia's impact, influenced by socio-economic, nutritional, and health factors. India, home to a diverse and vast population, shows a significant burden of anaemia among women. The prevalence of anaemia in Indian women is a public health concern, with certain states exhibiting higher rates than others. NFHS-5 reports that 53% of women aged 15-49 years are anaemic, highlighting the widespread issue of nutritional deficiency among women. In Assam, the National Family Health Survey-5, the prevalence of anaemia (