Report on Women’s Health and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Women’s health encompasses more than reproductive care; it involves a comprehensive commitment to improving overall health at every stage of life. From puberty and pregnancy to menopause and healthy aging, each phase presents unique health needs and opportunities for empowerment. This report highlights key aspects of women’s health with a focus on aligning efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a critical strategy for maintaining health throughout a woman’s life. Early detection and management of health issues through regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality rates, supporting SDG 3.

1. HPV vaccination starting as early as age nine for both boys and girls to prevent certain cancers.
2. Cervical cancer screening, including Pap smears and HPV testing, beginning around age 21.
3. Mammograms recommended from age 40 to detect breast cancer early.
4. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
5. Routine vaccinations including influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and measles to prevent serious illnesses and protect communities.

Reproductive Health

Reproductive health remains central to women’s healthcare needs, directly contributing to SDG 5 by empowering women through access to essential services and education.

• Access to contraception and family planning services to support informed reproductive choices.
• Comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care to ensure healthy pregnancies and births.
• Sexual health education promoting safe practices and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Routine STI testing for sexually active individuals.
• Support for building healthy relationships to enhance mental health outcomes.

Healthy Habits

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is fundamental to sustaining women’s health and aligns with SDG 3 and SDG 10 by addressing health disparities.

• Consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to reduce chronic disease risks.
• Engaging in regular physical activity to manage stress, weight, and cardiovascular health.
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption to decrease the risk of serious health conditions.
• Ensuring adequate sleep, with a minimum of seven hours per night.
• Prioritizing mental health through social connections, enjoyable activities, and professional support when needed.

UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation Programs

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation implements several programs across Arkansas that support women’s health and contribute to achieving the SDGs by promoting equitable access to healthcare services.

• CenteringPregnancy: A group prenatal care program facilitating peer support and connection with healthcare providers.
• Healthy Start: A program aimed at improving birth outcomes and maternal and infant health through tailored prenatal services and community health worker support, including clinical navigation, education, and case management.
• Mobile Reproductive Health: Mobile Health Units delivering essential women’s health, reproductive, and prenatal care services directly to underserved communities across Arkansas.

Conclusion

Women’s health initiatives that emphasize preventive care, reproductive health, and healthy lifestyle habits are vital to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Programs like those offered by the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation exemplify effective strategies to reduce health disparities and empower women at all stages of life.

Philmar Mendoza Kabua, BSN, is a nurse educator at the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation with over 15 years of experience in clinical and public health settings. For further information, visit communityhealth.uams.edu.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses extensively on women’s health across life stages, preventive care, reproductive health, and healthy habits, all central to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Reproductive health services, education, and empowerment of women to make informed health choices align with promoting gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Programs like Mobile Reproductive Health that bring essential services to underserved communities contribute to reducing inequalities in access to healthcare.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
     – Supported by recommendations for screenings, chronic disease prevention, and mental health prioritization.
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information, and education.
     – Evident in family planning conversations, STI testing, prenatal and postpartum care.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
     – Reflected in community health programs like CenteringPregnancy and Mobile Reproductive Health Units.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
     – Supported by reproductive health education and services described in the article.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race or other status.
     – Implied by outreach programs targeting underserved populations through mobile health units.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health Screening and Vaccination Rates
   • Indicators such as the percentage of women receiving HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening (Pap smears, HPV testing), and mammograms can measure progress in preventive care.
2. Access to Reproductive Health Services
   • Indicators including the proportion of women with access to contraception, prenatal and postpartum care, and STI testing rates.
3. Chronic Disease Monitoring
   • Indicators such as the prevalence of regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks to prevent diabetes and heart disease.
4. Utilization of Community Health Programs
   • Indicators measuring enrollment and participation in programs like CenteringPregnancy, Healthy Start, and Mobile Reproductive Health services.
5. Mental Health and Healthy Lifestyle Indicators
   • Implied indicators include rates of mental health counseling utilization, smoking and alcohol consumption prevalence, physical activity levels, and sleep duration.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: news.uams.edu