Importance of women's health in Latin America (Paraguay)

Abstract

Women's health in Paraguay continues to be a challenge despite efforts to improve. Even so, there are several problems such as the high maternal mortality rate, lack of access to reproductive health services and gender violence.

Paraguay aligns itself with the global strategy of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Action Plan for the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents 2018-2030, which calls for addressing the immediate causes of mortality, preventable morbidity and disability in women, children and adolescents, as well as their underlying determinants, within the framework of rights, gender, the life course and cultural diversity, in order to promote development, health and positive well-being¹. Law No. 3803/09 establishes the right to two days of paid leave to undergo Pap smears and mammography exams. It is a great advance, but despite this, four women are diagnosed with cancer per day, of which Two die, 80% being women under 70 years of age². Maternal health in 2019, 73 maternal deaths were recorded with a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 67.6; increasing by 2021, 166 maternal deaths RMM: 159.9 per 100,000 live births respectively³. Violence against women continues to be a serious problem and 78.5% of women suffer some type of violence at least once throughout their lives⁴.

Regarding Diabetes, the prevalence is higher in women of 12% vs. 8% in men, the prevalence increases with age, being 21% over 60 years, the distribution is the same in urban and rural areas.

Paraguay is making great efforts to improve access to reproductive health services, including the promotion of family planning and sexual education. It is important to continue working to eliminate gender violence, guarantee equitable access to quality health services and promote the education and empowerment of women in the country.