who medicines strategy - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

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WHO MEDICINES STRATEGY 2004-2007 | 38EO 1.6Gender perspectives introduced inthe implementation of medicinespolicies by identifying genderdifferences in access to and rationaluse of medicines, and by supportingwomen in their central role inhealth careRationaleWhile access to essential medicines is a problemfor both women and men in many parts of theworld, in some countries gender-related barriersin access to health services and medicines aregreater for women than men due to social andcultural factors. For example, although womenhave a central role as health care providersfor the family, they do not always control thefamily income and may not be able to decidefor themselves when they need to seek healthcare or purchase medicines. In addition, theirdisproportionate share of work within thehousehold, including growing the food, collectingwater and fuel, and caring for the family, limitsthe time available to seek health care services.As a result, they often fail to see help until theirillness is at a critical stage.To address these inequalities between womenand men, WHO recommends that countriesshould introduce a gender perspective in theirmedicines policy. 11 NMPs should: ensurethat the needs of both women and men areaddressed in an equitable way; facilitate women’saccess to health; support women and women’sorganizations in their central role in providinghealth care in their home and communities; andprovide adequate education and means to ensurethat women purchase the appropriate medicinesand use them rationally.ProgressOver the past few years, WHO has been activein promoting a focus on gender in the MDGs,particularly those relating to the education of boysand girls and to other health-related goals wheregender may have a impact. WHO has also beenreporting gender disparities for various healthtopics through a series of publications entitledGender and Health 12 . These information sheetsdescribe and analyse the information available,the areas where more research is needed, andthe policy implications. The existing informationsheets cover a wide range of health problemsfrom road traffic injuries to blindness and TB.Challenges remainingDespite the availability of much data on accessto and use of medicines, there is a lack of datadisaggregated by sex and of gender-sensitivestudies on these issues. Several indicatorsincluded in the WHO survey package forassessing the pharmaceutical situation at countrylevel now differentiate the sex of the populationsurveyed. However the sample size of the varioussurveys is still too small to draw any significantconclusions about gender-related issues.Inequalities between women and men remaina major obstacle to the social and economicdevelopment of many countries. Three-fifths of the115 million children currently out of school aregirls, and two-thirds of the 876 million illiterateadults are women. 13
COMPONENTS OF THE STRATEGY | 39Meeting the challenges 2004-2007Over the next four years WHO will:> work with countries, academic institutions,and NGOs to adapt existing pharmaceuticalmonitoring tools for collecting sexdisaggregateddata and promote gendersensitivestudies on access to and use ofmedicines.> develop policy guidance to support theintroduction of a gender perspective inmedicines policies, aimed at reducing genderinequalities and improving women’s access toand use of medicines.OUTCOME INDICATORS1999 2003 2007No. of countries providing free medicines for pregnantwomen at primary public health facilities#REPORTING % TARGET#REPORTING % TARGETna na na 54/106 51% 60%
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REFERENCES
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REFERENCES | 1471Annual report 2000
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REFERENCES | 14912 th Model List of
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