3. What is Haemorrhage?

• Haemorrhage, often spelt as haemorrhage in American English, refers to the abnormal and excessive bleeding from blood vessels.
• It can occur internally, within the body, or externally, where blood flows out of the body.
• Haemorrhage can result from various causes, including trauma, injury, surgery, or underlying medical conditions such as blood vessel abnormalities, clotting disorders, or certain diseases.
• Depending on the severity and location of the haemorrhage, it can range from minor and self-limiting to life-threatening and requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Treatment for haemorrhage typically involves controlling the bleeding, stabilizing the patient, and addressing any underlying causes or complications.

4. Relation of women’s health to overall social development

Women's health is intricately linked to overall social development, impacting various aspects of society. 

Improved Health Outcomes

• Lower maternal mortality rates (MMR) signify better access to quality healthcare for women during pregnancy and childbirth. This translates to healthier families and fewer tragedies.
• Healthy mothers are more likely to give birth to healthy babies and provide them with proper care during infancy and childhood, leading to a healthier next generation.
• Better healthcare for women leads to a longer lifespan, allowing them to contribute more actively to society and families for a longer duration.

Socioeconomic Benefits

• When women are healthy, they are more likely to pursue education and participate in the workforce, contributing to economic growth and development.
• A healthy female population translates to a more productive workforce, boosting the overall economic output of a nation.
• When women can earn a living and care for their families' health, it helps break the cycle of poverty and improves the overall well-being of the community.

Social Fabric and Stability

• Improved access to family planning services and reproductive health education can lead to smaller families, allowing for better resource allocation and investment in children's health and education.
• Healthy mothers are better equipped to raise healthy and well-educated children, fostering stronger and more stable families, which are the building blocks of a healthy society.
• Women play a crucial role in community development initiatives like education, sanitation, and healthcare. Their good health allows them to contribute more effectively to these areas.

Investing in Women's Health

• Prioritizing women's health is not just a moral imperative but also a smart investment in a nation's future.
• By addressing issues like maternal mortality, access to healthcare, and reproductive health education, countries can create a healthier, more productive, and prosperous society for all.

5. Why are women at risk of heart disease?

Women are susceptible to heart disease, even though it's often perceived as a man's health issue. 

Biological Differences

• Estrogen, a female sex hormone, has a protective effect on the heart before menopause. However, estrogen levels decline after menopause, removing this protective layer and increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Women typically have smaller hearts and coronary arteries compared to men. This can make them more susceptible to blockages and blood flow issues even with less plaque buildup.
• Certain pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia can increase the long-term risk of heart disease in women.

Risk Factors

Many traditional risk factors for heart disease apply to both men and women, but some pose a greater threat to women.

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure and cholesterol levels significantly increase the risk of heart disease in both men and women. However, women tend to have higher LDL ("bad") cholesterol and lower HDL ("good") cholesterol levels compared to men, putting them at a disadvantage.
• Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, and women with diabetes are more likely than men to develop heart disease complications.
• A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are significant contributors to heart disease. While these are concerns for both genders, women are more likely to face societal pressures that discourage physical activity and contribute to weight gain.
• Women are more prone to chronic stress and depression, which can elevate blood pressure and weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Heart disease symptoms in women can sometimes be different from those experienced by men. Women may experience pain in the back, jaw, or upper abdomen instead of the classic chest pain associated with heart attacks. This can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Preventive Measures

The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, women can significantly reduce their risk.

• Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for weight management and overall heart health.
• Regular checkups and adherence to medications are essential for controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Techniques like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
• Educating yourself about the different symptoms of heart disease in women can ensure you seek timely medical attention.

6. The steps taken by the government to reduce MMR

The government of India have implemented various strategies to reduce the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).

Improving Access to Antenatal, Intranatal, and Postnatal Care

• Encouraging women to give birth in medical facilities with skilled birth attendants significantly reduces the risk of complications and fatalities during childbirth. This can involve initiatives like

• • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) scheme in India that provides financial assistance to pregnant women delivering in public health institutions.
  • Educating women about the benefits of institutional deliveries and addressing potential fears or cultural barriers.

• Ensuring a sufficient number of trained midwives, nurses, and doctors to handle deliveries and manage potential complications is crucial.
• Providing regular checkups, screenings, and essential nutrients during pregnancy helps identify and manage potential risks for both mother and baby.
• Offering healthcare support to mothers and newborns after delivery helps address postpartum complications like infections and haemorrhage.

Addressing Underlying Risk Factors

• Ensuring proper nutrition for women, especially before and during pregnancy, is critical for a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications.
• Providing access to family planning services allows women to plan their pregnancies and space them appropriately, improving maternal health outcomes.
• Teenage pregnancies are at a higher risk of complications. Educating young girls about sexual health and reproductive rights can help reduce teenage pregnancies and improve MMR.

Strengthening Healthcare Systems

• Upgrading healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, with essential equipment and supplies is essential for providing quality maternal care.
• Ensuring timely access to emergency obstetric care can save lives in case of complications during childbirth.
• Monitoring MMR data and identifying areas with high rates allows for targeted interventions and resource allocation.

Community Engagement

• Educating women about their rights, including their right to quality healthcare, and encouraging them to seek timely medical attention are crucial steps.
• Engaging community leaders and involving men in promoting maternal health awareness can create a supportive environment for women.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 address a wide range of global challenges and one of them is directly related to Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).

Target 3.1: Reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio

SDG Goal 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Within this goal, Target 3.1 specifically targets the reduction of MMR. It aims to

• Reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
• No country should have an MMR greater than 140 per 100,000 live births.

SDGs Support Reducing MMR

Other SDGs indirectly contribute to achieving Target 3.1 by addressing factors that can influence MMR

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): Poverty is a major risk factor for poor maternal health outcomes. By alleviating poverty, women have better access to healthcare and nutritious food.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Malnutrition is another risk factor. Ensuring food security and improved nutrition can improve maternal health.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education) Educated women are more likely to make informed choices about their health and seek prenatal care.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality) Empowering women and ensuring their access to education and healthcare services are crucial for improving maternal health outcomes.
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) Access to clean water and sanitation facilities helps prevent infections, which can be a major cause of maternal mortality.