WHO Analysis Reveals Gaps in Women's Health Data, Cites Violence as Major Cause of Death

A new analysis by the World Health Organization's European Regional Bureau highlights critical shortcomings in understanding women's health and mortality across Central Asia and Europe. The report indicates that while maternal mortality rates have generally declined over the past two decades, with over 98 percent of births occurring in medical facilities attended by skilled personnel, a significant number of deaths remain preventable.

Between 2018 and 2022, more than 3,500 women in the region died from causes directly related to pregnancy and childbirth. The WHO emphasizes that nearly all these deaths could have been avoided, pointing to systemic issues within healthcare systems that continue to focus predominantly on maternity-related causes, often overlooking other critical health concerns.

Furthermore, the analysis reveals that violence against women is a leading cause of death, surpassing even pregnancy-related mortality in some instances. This includes intimate partner violence, psychological abuse, and femicide, risks that persist throughout a woman's life, not just during youth. The report also notes a concerning trend where causes of death for women aged 45 and older are frequently classified under vague terms like 'senility' or 'cardiac arrest,' obscuring the true reasons for mortality and hindering targeted health interventions. This under-specification, combined with potential diagnostic delays and underrepresentation in clinical research, particularly for cardiovascular diseases, complicates efforts to address women's health comprehensively.