Burden of Reproductive Ill Health

Authors: Alex Ezeh, Akinrinola Bankole, John Cleland, Claudia Garcia-Moreno, Marleen Temmerman, Abdhalah Ziraba

Citation:

Abstract:

This chapter presents the burden of global reproductive ill-health and, regional estimates for selected conditions, focusing on selected reproductive health diseases and their predisposing factors that lead to morbidity and mortality but remain generally neglected in research and public health programming. Although the data remain scant, these conditions prove clearly pervasive, with some existing as predisposing factors for other conditions. Part of the challenge to policy makers remains measurement, as few global, regional, or national estimates of some of these conditions exist. Most of these conditions have cost-effective interventions, yet many women never receive treatment, and violence against women remains equally prevalent. While preventive interventions pose challenges, health systems can do more for prevention, provision of care and services, and mitigation of consequences. The evidence of the substantial burden of violence against women has yet to translate into significant policy and programmed action to address the problem in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).