Re your article on women’s health (New women’s health strategy for England aims to end decades of inequality, 20 July), women have not been listened to about their health concerns for too long. The UK has the largest gender health gap of the G20, and the 12th largest globally. And while women may live longer than men on average, the reality is that they suffer from more chronic illnesses. This cannot go on any longer – we must smash the taboos that seem to be associated with women’s health issues.
The publication of the first women’s health strategy is a vital step towards tackling this. But bridging the gender health gap should not solely lie at the door of the Department of Health and Social Care. It can be best achieved by collaborative action with all stakeholders, including the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, as well as other government departments, the NHS, the voluntary sector and local communities. An intersectional approach is vital to shift the dial for women.
The strategy includes key commitments around women’s health-focused education and training, access to information and care, and better inclusion of women and their health concerns in research. Alongside the maternity disparities taskforce, which was launched earlier this year, the strategy has the potential to change women’s lives for the better.
Prof Geeta Nargund
Co-founder, the Ginsburg Women’s Health Board, and a senior NHS consultant
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