Improving Healthcare Access for Women in the MENA Regional Health System
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has made significant progress in recent years in terms of enhancing healthcare services. However, several challenges still exist, particularly for women. Healthcare access for women in MENA regional health systems still lags due to several cultural, economic, and political factors.
The Problem with Access to Healthcare for Women in the MENA Region
Despite having made strides in healthcare provision, access to healthcare for women in the MENA region remains variable across countries. One primary issue is the prevalence of traditional cultural norms that limit opportunities for women to receive medical care. For instance, in some countries, it is believed that only men can be physicians, meaning women are unwilling to receive care from a male healthcare provider. Additionally, in conservative regions, modesty can often be a barrier for women to receive medical attention.
Stark Differences in Healthcare Access Across MENA Region
There is a significant variation in healthcare access rates across the MENA region for women. In North Africa, for instance, maternal mortality still remains high due to a lack of access to quality healthcare. In contrast, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have made good strides in healthcare legislation, as women are provided access to healthcare, education, and legal protection, signaling an increased role of women in government and development overall.
Initiatives to Improve Healthcare Access for Women in the MENA Region
Various initiatives have been launched to address healthcare access problems for women in the MENA region. An example of such initiatives can be seen in Egypt’s support for the creation of mobile clinics staffed by female doctors. These clinics are now serving as reliable healthcare services for women in remote or low-income areas, who otherwise would not have access to healthcare. Similar initiatives such as the 2020 Women’s Cancer Initiatives in Saudi Arabia have also been launched to address the inadequate access to breast cancer screening.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while healthcare access is improving for women across some parts of the MENA region, there is still progress to be made to provide universal healthcare access for all women. Initiatives that aim to create awareness about health issues and engage with communities are critical. There is a need for governments, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to further develop sustainable solutions to ensure equitable healthcare for women in the MENA region. By working together, we can improve healthcare access for women in the MENA region and ensure that healthcare remains a fundamental right for all.
