Updates: Women in health and development in South-East Asia. 1985. -- (SEARO regional health papers ; no. 8).

Analyses trends, since 1985, in the health and social status of women in South-East Asian countries,which account for one quarter of the worlds population and more than half of the worlds poor. The contribution of women to health care and overall socioeconomic development is also critically reviewed, with particular attention given to the consequences of the worldwide economic recession. By comparing the situation in different countries, the book aims to identify priority needs and help policy-makers determine the best ways to improve womens health and strengthen their role in development. The book has five main chapters. The first traces events, at the global level, that have focused attention on the importance of women and called for urgent action to meet their special health needs. The second chapter uses statistical data to provide an overview of changes in the health situation of women throughout the region. Apart from surveying key indicators of health status, the chapter also explores the impact of such factors as education and literacy, remunerative employment, poverty, social status, and access to health services, including family planning. Observations include a direct link between declining health services and increased rates of maternal, infant and child mortality, decreases in per capita food supplies in certain regions, and increasing child malnutrition in several countries. The third chapter provides succinct profiles of the health situation of women in each country of the region, highlighting facts and figures indicative of future trends. The remaining chapters summarize recent activities and programmes focused on womens needs, and identify priorities for future action, including the growing problems of HIV infection and AIDS. The concluding chapter notes the alarming discrepancy between the scale of unmet needs and the availability of resources.

eng.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

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