Opinion: Self-care interventions for women’s health and well-being

Manjulaa Narasimhan et al. Originally appeared on Nature Medicine on 7 March 2024.

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In Brief
The universal and inclusive right to health advocates for comprehensive health support for all individuals. Despite global advancements in health systems, a staggering 3.6 billion people lack access to vital health services. Women and girls face particular disadvantages in accessing quality healthcare due to entrenched social norms, unequal power dynamics in relationships, limited consideration beyond their reproductive roles, and economic hardships.

Self-care interventions, encompassing medications and diagnostic tools, present an alternative avenue to traditional facility-based healthcare, empowering women to take charge of their own health. However, it's imperative to address challenges such as stigma to prevent a scenario where self-care options predominantly benefit those already privileged with quality healthcare access, leaving behind those most in need.

This Perspective delves into the potential of self-care interventions to enhance the health and well-being of women, emphasizing an approach rooted in human rights, gender equality, and equity.