Women’s health is a crucial issue that affects not only the well-being of individuals but also the development and prosperity of societies. In Africa, women face many challenges in accessing and utilising quality healthcare services, resulting in poor health outcomes and high mortality rates. 

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According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, with an estimated 58,000 women dying from pregnancy-related complications every year. Moreover, women are disproportionately affected by infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as by non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Some of the factors that contribute to these health disparities include poverty, lack of education, gender discrimination, cultural norms, and inadequate infrastructure.

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In this blog post, we will discuss the main advancements and challenges in women’s health care in Africa, while also providing recommendations and suggestions for improvement. I hope you will find this blog post informative and engaging.

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Advancements and Challenges in Women's Healthcare in Africa

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Laboratory Science Contributions

One of the key advancements in women’s healthcare in Africa is the role of laboratory science in improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of some of the major health issues faced by women, such as infectious diseases, reproductive health, and cancer. Laboratory science is the application of scientific methods and techniques to analyse biological samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue, and provide accurate and timely information for clinical decision-making.

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Some of the innovations and initiatives that have been developed by African scientists and institutions in the field of laboratory science include

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• The Kano HIV Drug Resistance Laboratory, which is the first of its kind in West Africa, and provides testing and monitoring services for people living with HIV, as well as training and research opportunities for local scientists.
  
  
• The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), which is the oldest and largest public health research institute in Nigeria, conducts research on various aspects of women’s health, such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer, and maternal and child health.
  
  
• The African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), which is a collaborative network of African and international institutions, and uses cutting-edge genomic technologies to study the genetic diversity and evolution of infectious diseases, such as Ebola, Lassa fever, and COVID-19.
  
  

One of the notable partners in the field of laboratory science is Débbo Africa, a modern healthcare company for African women, created by African women. Débbo Africa provides personalised diagnostics, focused on cancer, sexual/reproductive health, and infectious diseases, as well as virtual consultations for females, by females. Débbo Africa aims to empower women to take charge of their health and wellness, by providing them with access to quality and affordable healthcare services, as well as a supportive community of like-minded women. Débbo Africa has also been involved in various projects and campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for women’s health issues, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and menstrual hygiene.

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Non-communicable Diseases

Another important aspect of women’s health care in Africa is the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among women of reproductive age, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. NCDs are chronic diseases that are not caused by infectious agents and are often influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and tobacco use.

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According to the World Health Organization, NCDs are responsible for 29% of deaths among women aged 15-49 years in Nigeria and are projected to increase by 27% by 2030. Some of the risk factors for NCDs among women include:

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• Obesity: A condition of excess body fat that causes health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. More common in Nigerian women (25.2%) than men (10.8%).
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• Physical inactivity: A lack of enough physical activity that raises the risk of NCDs and mental issues like depression and anxiety. More common in Nigerian women (28.9%) than men (18.5%).
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• Tobacco use: The use of tobacco products like cigarettes, pipes, or snuff that leads to diseases like cancer, respiratory infections, and heart diseases. More common in Nigerian men (17.4%) than women (0.8%). Women also suffer from second-hand smoke.

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Some of the challenges in preventing and managing NCDs among women include;

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• Lack of awareness: Many women don’t know the signs, symptoms, and risks of NCDs, and seek medical help too late. There is also not enough public education and awareness on NCDs for women and girls.
• Lack of screening: Many women can’t access regular screening and testing for NCDs, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, because of the cost, distance, or culture. There is also not enough equipment and staff to do screening and testing for NCDs in many health centers.
• Lack of treatment: Many women can’t access effective and affordable treatment for NCDs, such as medication, surgery, or rehabilitation, because of the cost, availability, or quality of health services. There is also not enough adherence and compliance to treatment among women, because of the side effects, stigma, or lack of support.

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Gender equality and empowerment

A final aspect of women’s health care in Africa is the impact of gender inequality and discrimination on women’s health and well-being. Gender inequality is the unequal treatment or opportunities for people based on their gender, which can result in different outcomes and experiences for men and women. Gender discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people based on their gender, which can result in violence, abuse, or harassment.

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Some of the ways that gender inequality and discrimination affect women’s health in Nigeria include:

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• Early marriage: The marriage of a person under 18, increases the risk of pregnancy and STI complications.
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• Female genital mutilation (FGM): This is the removal or injury of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.  It is a human rights violation that causes physical and psychological harm to girls and women. Practised in some parts of Nigeria, with 25% of women aged 15-49 years affected.
  
  
• Domestic violence: This is the use or threat of physical, sexual, or psychological force or harm by an intimate partner or family member. It is a widespread problem in Nigeria, with 30% of women aged 15-49 years experiencing physical violence, and 9% experiencing sexual violence, by an intimate partner.
  
  
• Lack of education: The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values, that can improve the lives and society of people is a fundamental human right, and a key factor for gender equality and empowerment. The health and well-being of women, can be improved by increasing their awareness, autonomy, and opportunities. However, many girls and women in Africa lack access to quality and equitable education, due to barriers like poverty, early marriage, culture, and insecurity. Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with 10.5 million children not attending school, of which 60% are girls.

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Some of the efforts and policies that have been implemented to promote women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria include:

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• The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), is a federal law that criminalizes various forms of violence against persons, such as rape, domestic violence, FGM, and trafficking, and provides protection and support for victims.
  
  
• The National Gender Policy (NGP), is a framework that guides the integration of gender perspectives into all policies, programs, and activities of the government, civil society, and private sector, to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, women’s health care in Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue that involves various advancements and challenges. By improving women’s health care in Africa, we can also improve the development and prosperity of the continent. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post, and I urge you to talk to us today if you need any healthcare services.

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