Latest news with #InternationalDayofActionforWomen'sHealth
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt committed to women's health and well-being: Murad
KARACHI: Chief Minister (CM) Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving women's health across the province. In his message On the occasion of the International Day of Action for Women's Health, the Chief Minister stated, 'This day serves as a reminder to highlight the health challenges women face and to encourage effective and sustained action to address them. A healthy woman is the foundation of a healthy society.' CM Shah emphasised that the Sindh government has launched multiple programmes aimed at enhancing women's health. 'A comprehensive maternal and child health programme is underway across the province to safeguard the lives of mothers and newborns by providing them with essential healthcare services,' he said. The CM highlighted that 23,185 Lady Health Workers have been deployed throughout Sindh to deliver healthcare services directly to women at their doorsteps. He also pointed out the success of the 'National Health Support Programme,' which is being implemented with the support of the World Bank. 'This programme primarily focuses on improving care for pregnant women, mothers, and newborns to ensure better health outcomes.' 'The efforts of the Sindh government are proving to be a milestone in the journey towards safeguarding women's health, security, and well-being,' the Chief Minister concluded, reiterating his government's resolve to continue prioritising women's health and empowerment for a stronger, healthier society.
The Star
6 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Call for urgent reforms to uphold women's health rights
As the world observes the International Day of Action for Women's Health on May 28, doctors and healthcare advocates spotlight the deeply entrenched disparities in healthcare access that women face. They detail that dismissed menstrual pain, barriers to contraception, and delayed cancer diagnoses are just some of the silent battles that many women are fighting daily. Dr Moratwe Masima, a Johannesburg-based medical doctor and fervent advocate for women's health, has made it her mission to fight against these injustices. 'I see it every day. Women suffering in silence. Women normalising pain. Women who've been told to be strong for so long they forget they're allowed to ask for help.' Masima's commitment to women's health mirrors the sentiments echoed by Justine Lacy, Clinical Executive at Profmed, who calls for a radical rethinking of priorities concerning women's healthcare. On this day of global action, the focus is squarely on the unmet health needs of women and girls, especially in terms of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It is revealed that in South Africa, countless women still lack access to essential healthcare services, from basic contraception to cancer screenings and mental health support, despite protections enshrined in the constitution. The global theme resonates with urgency: 'Our voices, our actions, our demand: Uphold women's health and rights now.' Masima further highlights that women's reproductive health should not be viewed as a luxury but as a fundamental human right. 'When women can't access safe contraception, face delays in abortions, or have their menstrual pain dismissed, we're denying them dignity and choice,' she asserts. It is stated that the statistics are stark; South Africa's maternal mortality rate remains alarmingly high, reflecting systemic issues in the healthcare system. Moreover, many women are still unable to access quality mental healthcare, and taboos surrounding infertility, postpartum depression, and menopause continue to silence women in their most vulnerable moments. Masima also believes in addressing the complete health spectrum of women, stating, 'We need to talk about the whole woman. These are not separate issues; they're deeply connected.' Masima underscores the importance of prevention, noting that delaying a check-up can lead to severe health consequences and even more costly treatment in the long-run. Lacy asserts that medical cover must evolve to meet the comprehensive needs of women's health, spanning from adolescence through menopause. 'Women's health journeys don't begin and end with pregnancy,' she emphasises. She says a comprehensive medical aid cover should include annual check-ups, contraception, fertility support, mental health services, and menopause-related care, whilst ensuring that women can access benefits without facing unnecessary barriers. Lacy notes that often women are unsure about their coverage or are apprehensive about out-of-pocket costs, creating additional hurdles to proper care. Profmed is committed to improving benefit designs that readily reflect the lived realities of women. 'Women are navigating their health while building careers and raising families. We take that seriously,' she explains, highlighting the importance of tailored care that evolves with women's needs. However, Lacy calls for collective responsibility from the broader healthcare industry, urging all sectors to genuinely listen to the challenges women articulate. 'If we want to offer real support, we have to design benefits that reflect women's real lives,' she stresses. Saturday Star
IOL News
7 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Call for urgent reforms to uphold women's health rights
On International Day of Action for Women's Health, experts shine a light on the disenfranchisement of women in South Africa's healthcare system, calling for urgent reform and a holistic approach to women's health rights. From reproductive health to mental wellbeing. On International Day of Action for Women's Health, experts shine a light on the disenfranchisement of women in South Africa's healthcare system, calling for urgent reform and a holistic approach to women's health rights. From reproductive health to mental wellbeing. As the world observes the International Day of Action for Women's Health on May 28, doctors and healthcare advocates spotlight the deeply entrenched disparities in healthcare access that women face. They detail that dismissed menstrual pain, barriers to contraception, and delayed cancer diagnoses are just some of the silent battles that many women are fighting daily. Dr Moratwe Masima, a Johannesburg-based medical doctor and fervent advocate for women's health, has made it her mission to fight against these injustices. 'I see it every day. Women suffering in silence. Women normalising pain. Women who've been told to be strong for so long they forget they're allowed to ask for help.' Masima's commitment to women's health mirrors the sentiments echoed by Justine Lacy, Clinical Executive at Profmed, who calls for a radical rethinking of priorities concerning women's healthcare. On this day of global action, the focus is squarely on the unmet health needs of women and girls, especially in terms of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It is revealed that in South Africa, countless women still lack access to essential healthcare services, from basic contraception to cancer screenings and mental health support, despite protections enshrined in the constitution. The global theme resonates with urgency: 'Our voices, our actions, our demand: Uphold women's health and rights now.' Masima further highlights that women's reproductive health should not be viewed as a luxury but as a fundamental human right. 'When women can't access safe contraception, face delays in abortions, or have their menstrual pain dismissed, we're denying them dignity and choice,' she asserts. It is stated that the statistics are stark; South Africa's maternal mortality rate remains alarmingly high, reflecting systemic issues in the healthcare system. Moreover, many women are still unable to access quality mental healthcare, and taboos surrounding infertility, postpartum depression, and menopause continue to silence women in their most vulnerable moments. Masima also believes in addressing the complete health spectrum of women, stating, 'We need to talk about the whole woman. These are not separate issues; they're deeply connected.' Masima underscores the importance of prevention, noting that delaying a check-up can lead to severe health consequences and even more costly treatment in the long-run. Lacy asserts that medical cover must evolve to meet the comprehensive needs of women's health, spanning from adolescence through menopause. 'Women's health journeys don't begin and end with pregnancy,' she emphasises. She says a comprehensive medical aid cover should include annual check-ups, contraception, fertility support, mental health services, and menopause-related care, whilst ensuring that women can access benefits without facing unnecessary barriers. Lacy notes that often women are unsure about their coverage or are apprehensive about out-of-pocket costs, creating additional hurdles to proper care. Profmed is committed to improving benefit designs that readily reflect the lived realities of women. 'Women are navigating their health while building careers and raising families. We take that seriously,' she explains, highlighting the importance of tailored care that evolves with women's needs. However, Lacy calls for collective responsibility from the broader healthcare industry, urging all sectors to genuinely listen to the challenges women articulate. 'If we want to offer real support, we have to design benefits that reflect women's real lives,' she stresses. Saturday Star
News18
27-05-2025
- Health
- News18
From Prevention To Protection: Why Cervical Cancer Deserves Urgent Action, Not Silence
Last Updated: Caused primarily by the human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer develops slowly and often goes unnoticed in the initial years. Ahead of the International Day of Action for Women's Health, marked on May 28, it's important to shift focus towards silent threats that continue to claim lives, often quietly, and all too early. Cervical cancer can be both detectable and treatable in its early stages. What makes cervical cancer particularly tragic is that it is largely preventable. Caused primarily by the human papillomavirus (HPV), it develops slowly and often goes unnoticed in the initial years. This long latency offers a window of opportunity for screening and vaccination. Yet, awareness remains shockingly low, especially in low- and middle-income settings. Dr. Kanika Gupta, Principal Director—Surgical Oncology (Gynae & Robotic Surgery), Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, says, 'India accounts for nearly a fifth of the global cervical cancer burden. This is not due to a lack of treatment options, but rather a serious gap in awareness, access to preventive healthcare, and societal stigma around women's reproductive health. Many women do not undergo regular Pap smears or HPV testing simply because they are unaware of its necessity, or worse, feel ashamed or afraid to discuss gynaecological health." The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be eliminated through preventive action. Dr Gupta mentions, 'The HPV vaccine, when administered during adolescence, provides robust protection. When combined with regular screenings for adult women, we have the tools to effectively control and eventually eradicate the disease." It's time to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and empower women with the knowledge and access they deserve. Because cervical cancer isn't just about healthcare – it's about equity, dignity, and justice. First Published: May 27, 2025, 15:56 IST
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health awareness programme in Kalaburagi on Wednesday
Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) will in association with the Arujiva Holistic Healing Centre - Kalaburagi organise an awareness programme at KKCCI Auditorium here on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Action for Women's Health. KKCCI president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa told presspersons here on Monday that a team of doctors led by Rekha and Shalini will educate women about Naturopathy treatments such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation that can offer a holistic approach to health and well-being. Naturopathy aims to promote the body's natural healing abilities through various modalities. Mr. Pappa said that the programme will also incorporate counselling and consultation to empower with knowledge and practices for self-care and treatment. Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima will inaugurate the programme. Deputy Commissioner B. Fauzia Tarannum will be the chief guest on the occasion. Members of various women organisations, including Maheshwari Mahila Sangha, Sanghini Jain Group, Rotary Inner Wheel Club, Spandana Mahila Sangha, Mahila Ekta Manch and Rajasthani Mahila Mandal, will attend the awareness programme.
