UN Reports Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health

The 2024 State of World Population report by UNFPA sheds light on the stark inequalities persisting in sexual and reproductive health. Despite global advancements, millions of women and girls remain disadvantaged by their socio-economic, ethnic, or geographical backgrounds.

The Ugly Truth Behind Global Gains in Sexual and Reproductive Health

While the past three decades have seen significant progress in sexual and reproductive health rights, these gains are unevenly distributed. Women and girls who are impoverished, belong to minority groups, or live in conflict zones face the highest risks. For instance, African women facing complications during pregnancy and childbirth are approximately 130 times more likely to die than their counterparts in Europe and North America.

twitter.com/UNWebTV/status/178…

The data presented is alarming: over half of all preventable maternal deaths occur in regions plagued by humanitarian crises and conflicts. Moreover, women of African descent in the Americas, indigenous women, and those with disabilities face significantly higher risks of mortality and gender-based violence. These findings underscore the critical gaps in access to essential healthcare services for these vulnerable groups.

Stagnation and Regression Is Not Acceptable

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, where global leaders pledged to prioritize sexual and reproductive health in sustainable development. However, progress is stalling. The daily maternal mortality rate has not improved since 2016, and many women still lack the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies.

Yet, even within those regions there are “pockets of inequality”, the report underscores. Women of African descent in the Americas face higher maternal mortality rates compared to white women, which is especially evident in the United States where it’s three times the national average.

UN News

The Need for Tailored Solutions and Global Solidarity

Mothers are not dying because of diseases we cannot treat. They are dying because societies have yet to [decide] that their lives are worth saving“

The UNFPA advocates for bespoke solutions that cater to the unique needs of different communities, rather than broad, one-size-fits-all approaches. This strategy is not only more effective but also more empowering for women and girls. Additionally, the report estimates that an investment of $79 billion in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 could prevent 400 million unplanned pregnancies, save 1 million lives, and yield $660 billion in economic benefits.

The “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope” report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving universal sexual and reproductive health rights. It calls for sustained investment and global solidarity to bridge the gaps and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind in our quest for health equity. Only through targeted efforts and inclusive policies can we hope to turn the tides of inequality and build a healthier future for all.

#GlobalHealthEquity #HealthcareInequality #MaternalHealth #UNFPAReport #WomenSHealth

There’s a lot to unpack in this article:

“on average more than three-quarters of tissue in infected placentas had been damaged, cutting off oxygen & nutrients essential for fetal survival. this damage could occur silently, even in mothers without acute Covid symptoms, offering no warning signs”

Whenever I read studies about the damaging effects of Covid on the fetus - I’m reminded of a friend who was a high risk “geriatric” pregnancy.

She caught Covid in her first trimester and spent weeks in the hospital.

Not a single one of her doctors advised her to mask OR masked around her

Her baby was born full term but low birthweight and months later is still in the bottom percentile for size.

It’s too early to tell if there are more severe issues - but everytime they go to the hospital for a check up - everyone is unmasked.

In the second trimester she passed up a chance to go to Cuba because she was concerned about Zika - yet continued taking no precautions for COVID.

The linked article talks about Zika and the risk it poses to the fetus - and in some ways it appears COVID might carry MORE risk

So why is it that almost every pregnant person knows to avoid Zika - yet they’re taking zero COVID precautions?

Public health failure. If your doctors aren’t masking around you, if the healthcare facility doesn’t require masking, if no one is telling you TO mask … you won’t.

We’ve downplayed the virus so much that folks think it’s just a cold - despite scientific findings like this:

“A cluster of stillbirths in first 3 months of that year prompted doctors to investigate. They discovered that the placentas linked to fetal deaths were infected with the coronavirus…describing them as riddled with lesions likely caused by viral transmission through the maternal bloodstream.”

We’ve known about this for years - yet we don’t advise pregnant people to take precautions.

They avoid soft cheeses, Zika, Sushi etc but NOT a vascular virus that crosses placenta?

We’re entering year 6 of this devastating pandemic. That’s millions of babies born who suffered Covid infections in utero. They may also have multiple infections before they even reach five years of age.

Why aren’t we protecting them?

I understand it must be incredibly hard to protect young children - but we have to at least try. They’re counting on us.

Pregnant people can and should be wearing respirators. Their doctors should be as well.

These kids need the adults to step the F up and make better choices.

H/t @nicktsergas for links

bloomberg.com/news/articles/20…

#covidisairborne #covidisnotover #wearamask #pregnancy #obgyn #maternalhealth #sarscov2 #longcovid