Despite improvements in preventive screenings, the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index reveals that 1.5 billion women worldwide still lack access to essential health services, highlighting significant disparities in care.
Despite a rise in preventive screenings for women’s health, the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index indicates that 1.5 billion women remain without essential health screenings, underscoring significant disparities in access to care.
In a comprehensive report released on [insert release date], the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index, developed in partnership with Gallup, reveals both progress and persistent challenges in women’s health care worldwide. While preventive screening has reached a five-year high, a staggering 1.5 billion women globally have not received essential screenings for conditions such as cancer, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
The latest Index, which is the fifth edition of its kind, relies on data collected from interviews with approximately 145,000 individuals, including women and girls as well as men and boys aged 15 and older, across 144 countries and territories. This approach aims to illuminate gender disparities in health care access and outcomes.
Data presented in the Year 5 Index indicates significant advancements in some areas of women’s health screenings. Notably, around 70 million more women are receiving life-saving tests compared to the previous year, marking a noteworthy increase in preventive care engagement. As of the latest report, 39% of women indicated they had undergone high blood pressure testing within the past year, the highest rate recorded since the first year of the Index.
Additionally, diabetes screening has reached 24%, the highest percentage in the Index’s history, while cancer screening has rebounded to 13%, translating to approximately 60 million more women participating in these critical health evaluations. This increase has been particularly pronounced among women aged 40 and older, who are typically at higher risk for these health issues.
Despite these promising statistics, the report highlights several troubling trends. While 67% of women report feeling safe walking alone at night in their communities, an estimated 1 billion women still express feelings of insecurity in their daily lives. Furthermore, negative emotional experiences have increased over time, with 42% of women now reporting feelings of worry and 28% feeling sad.
Physical health remains a concern as well, with one-third of women experiencing daily physical pain and nearly one in four reporting health problems serious enough to interfere with their daily activities. Alarmingly, STI testing is the only area of preventive care that has not seen improvement, remaining stagnant at 10% since Year 1 of the Index.
Experts emphasize that screening and early detection are foundational for improving health outcomes. When routine tests are neglected, preventable conditions can progress, leading to more severe health issues that are costly for both individuals and health systems. The lack of consistent preventive care access poses a significant barrier to long-term improvements in women’s health.
Currently, an estimated 1 billion women globally struggle to afford basic necessities, with nearly 40% unable to afford food and about one-third facing difficulties in securing housing. These socioeconomic factors significantly impact women’s health and access to preventive services.
In light of the findings, Dr. Mia Keeys, director of Global Health and Innovation at Hologic, outlines a path forward that centers on three key priorities. First, it is crucial to include women and girls in decision-making processes related to health policy, funding, and research agendas. Their experiences must inform the design of health systems. Second, there is a need for increased investment in research and data solutions to enhance access to preventive care. This includes expanding high-quality databases and scaling evidence-based programs. Finally, addressing structural barriers such as poverty, systemic inequity, and stigma is essential for closing the screening gap.
The data presented in the Index reflect the lived experiences of real women. For example, Champa Devi, a mother from India, shared her reliance on local health clinics for her family’s well-being. “If I am healthy, I can go anywhere, do anything, take care of anyone,” she stated, underscoring the importance of accessible health care. Without it, women like Devi face significant challenges in fulfilling their roles within their families and communities.
Closing the gaps in women’s health requires a sustained global commitment to preventive care. This involves investing in data-driven solutions, advancing research focused on women’s health needs, addressing structural barriers, and expanding access to screenings throughout women’s lifespans. Furthermore, ensuring women’s representation in shaping policies and research agendas is vital to creating an equitable health care landscape.
The Hologic Global Women’s Health Index not only serves as a critical resource for understanding women’s health trends but also offers a roadmap for future action. The ability to translate current momentum into lasting change will be crucial for improving health outcomes for women worldwide, according to Hologic.