Sanitation and Women’s Health

Women's Social Position and Health-Seeking Behaviours by Baber et al (2008)

In order to to make the health care system more accessible and efficient for women particularly in
developing and under-developed countries, it is crucial the study the health-seeking behaviours and
factors that determine the effective provision and usage of health care services. This study was con -
ducted in association with Aga Khan Health Services, Pakistan (AKHSP) and the Health Depart-
ment of Northern Areas of Pakistan. According to the results, it is observed that more than one-third
of the women in Pakistan did not know the cause of their illness or diseases. There's an average de-
lay of three days, before they consulted a doctor or physician. Limited availability of female health
staff and below-average quality of services made local women more inclined towards AKHSP
rather than other health services. Furthermore, the public opinion towards governmental health ser-
vices stands below satisfactory level. Women often consult faith healers rather than seeking profes-
sional help. Pakistan desperately needs effective health education and promotion campaigns, under
which social arrangements and other factors are also considered, in order to change the existing
health-seeking behaviours among women and to make the health care system more responsive.
Governmental health facilities need to employ more female staff to cater the needs of female pa -
tients. The study also suggests a public-private partnership, for it could potentially provide a means
to strengthen the health care system, and promote women’s health as a result.

Issues of Sanitation in Pakistan and Post-2015 Agenda by Rana Riaz Saeed (2013)

This paper highlights how sanitation and hygiene promotion are the most challenging aspects of the
development sector. This is due to the reason that effective sanitation needs development of a public
policy that requires the private sector, as well as thousands of individuals from their respective
households to contribute equally. Provision of safe water supply and sanitation would directly serve
the cause by reducing a number of widespread viral diseases. Pakistan, having an estimated popula -
tion of 190 million people, ranks as the 6th most populated country in the world. The country has
made plausible efforts to improve it’s sanitation and hygiene situation, yet the challenge remains the
same. 94 million people (out of which 75 million belong to rural areas) do not have access to im-
proved sanitation facilities. Nearly 40 million people still practice open defecation, it is common in
rural areas. Only five percent of the households in the country have access to municipal waste man -
agement facilities. The country adds 3.7% to the world’s children aged 0-5. However it also ac-
counts for 11% of the under 5 mortality due to diarrhoea and dysentery - the highest mortality rate
in South Asia (67,241 per year). The study suggests context-specific, sustainable and inclusive sani-
tation and hygiene programs should be prioritised in the post-2015 agenda. The programs must in-
clude an effective mechanism to identify the poorest and the most under-privileged groups in the
country, increased active participation by women and more transparency in the financial process.