Both men and women face various health conditions, some health issues affect women differently and more commonly. Women also bear exclusive health concerns, such as breast cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer, menopause and pregnancy-related issues. Urinary tract conditions and sexually transmitted diseases affect women more than men. Psychological issues like depression and anxiety occur more frequently among female. Gynecological Health (Vaginal discharge, Menstrual disorders), Malnutrition and Autoimmune Diseases pose considerable health risks for women.
In Pakistan, the overall health of women is poor because of their low societal standing. According to a report of the United Nations, the majority of women in Pakistan are deprived of basic healthcare. On average, 48.1 per cent of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years have no say in decisions regarding their own health care. Women from rural areas and low -income households are more affected than in urban areas and high-income households. Sometimes women are not allowed by other women to go visit a doctor or get treatment. Home medications and home deliveries are another big reason that female patients suffer different medical complications.
Malnutrition has become a major problem in Pakistan nowadays. Unfortunately, there is a gap between men and women in terms of nutrient intake. According to a study conducted by UN Women on gender inequality, the gender gap between men and women in food security is nearly 11 percent which leads to lower nutrient intake in women. Malnutrition causes anemia to women which is a major cause of maternal and infants’ mortality. Health, growth and development of a child depend on the health of a mother. According to the Global Nutrition Index in Pakistan 52 percent of the reproductive mothers are anemic. The same UN study indicates that women in Nigeria are better nourished than women living in Sindh, at the same poverty levels.
More than half population of the women do not have access to basic sanitation. Skilled midwives and health professional are not available to almost 70 percent of women population.
Reasons
Narrow mildness and dogmas are the core reason that women are not getting proper medical attention. Those women who wish to seek treatment lack of resources affects their health. Social dogmas further limit the rights and access of women to reproductive health services.
Poor delivery care, non-availability of trained midwives, inaccessibility of health facilities and lack of sanitation and water all contribute to such dangerously high numbers for Pakistan. But the most prominent cause for higher deaths in babies and children remains the worsening health and nutrition of mothers.
Domestic violence is one of the biggest reasons for health complications of women including unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, frequent and high-risk pregnancies, lack of access to family planning services and psychological issues. Health problems are also widespread, complicated in part by frequent births.
There is cultural discrimination in the distribution for resources among male and female children which leads to malnutrition among female children. Patriarchal values system and gender biases affect women’s choices and health and wellbeing.
Rapid population growth and low budgets for health sector become another reason for poor health of women. The underlying problems that affect health-poverty, illiteracy, women’s low status, inadequate water supplies and sanitation persist.
How to overcome the issue
The Pakistani government has the responsibility, has several international commitments to improve the status of women health. So, government has to take some hardcore measurement to achieve the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Investment in health has a long-term beneficial effect. It improves health outcomes, reduces poverty and contributes to promoting economic growth.
Empowering women is another solution to reduce health issues of women. Empowered women will have pro-nutrient food and access to healthcare. If working women get paid for their work in rural areas, it would have a positive impact on their nutrition”.
The government should focus on providing healthcare facilities where health professionals ad trained midwives are available. It can arrange mobile clinics for women where nutritional supplements are also readily available.