Austria has emerged as the top-ranking country in Europe for women’s health, securing the third position globally, as per the latest report released by Hologic, a leading healthcare company.
The country’s proactive stance on women’s health was underscored by its implementation of a comprehensive action plan comprising 40 targeted measures initiated in 2017.
Joining Austria among the top 10 countries globally for women’s health were Germany, Denmark, Poland, and the Czech Republic, marking a significant presence for European Union nations in the global rankings.
The Women’s Health Index, now in its third year, surveyed over 147,000 participants from 143 countries and territories, with data collected in 2022 and analyzed in 2023. The index considers various criteria, including access to healthcare, emotional well-being, and food security.
Despite progress in certain areas, the report sounded alarm bells, asserting that women’s health remains in a state of crisis, with little improvement since the inaugural survey conducted in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, one in four women reported health issues hindering their daily activities.
Women in the UK Report Health Concerns Compared to EU Counterparts
According to the survey findings, women in the United Kingdom expressed higher levels of sadness, anger, and stress compared to their counterparts in the European Union. Thirty-two percent of British women reported feeling sad, while 39 percent felt stressed, compared to 26 percent and 34 percent respectively for women in the EU.
Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, emphasized the need for enhanced preventive healthcare measures in the UK, addressing the existing gender health gap and underscoring the imperative of prioritizing women’s health.
The UK’s position in the index, ranking 37th out of 143 countries, underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to improve women’s health outcomes in the nation.
Urgency for Preventive Healthcare Measures
The report highlighted significant gaps in preventive healthcare measures across Europe. While nearly half of women in the EU reported blood pressure testing in the past year, only one in five underwent cancer screening. Similarly, screening rates for diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases were suboptimal, emphasizing the need for enhanced access to diagnostic services.
Lindsay stressed the importance of focusing on preventive measures to combat prevalent diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes, emphasizing their long-term impact on women’s health and overall well-being.
Addressing Research and Resource Gaps
Addressing the disparities in research funding and resource allocation for women’s health emerged as a critical imperative. Lindsay called for increased investment in research and innovation, particularly in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment avenues. She highlighted the growing recognition of the need for dedicated research and resources for women-specific health issues such as menstruation and menopause.
Despite the growing demand and potential, femtech, aimed at addressing women’s health needs, received a meager two percent of venture funding allocated for the entire healthcare industry, according to Deloitte, underscoring the need for greater attention and investment in this critical area.
