From HIV to fistula, maternal mortality to lupus, we examine the health issues that affect women’s lives in the developing world. https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/health/rss en Health Politics and Policy Reproductive Rights Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:20:00 +0000 Rodrigue Rwirahira https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/rwandas-proposed-abortion-amendment-takes-procedure-out-of-the-courts https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/rwandas-proposed-abortion-amendment-takes-procedure-out-of-the-courts Rwanda’s current penal code says the final decision over whether a woman can have an abortion lies with courts. Often women have to wait weeks or months for a ruling. Now, a new amendment would allow most abortions to go through with the consent of the woman and her doctor. Health Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:20:00 +0000 Louise Donovan, Hannah O’Neill https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/18/my-daughter-demands-more-the-men-fighting-child-marriage-in-lebanon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/18/my-daughter-demands-more-the-men-fighting-child-marriage-in-lebanon Around Lebanon, men working as peer leaders are educating other men on the damage that child marriage does to girls and young women, in the hopes of convincing fathers to stop marrying off their daughters. Education Health Solutions Wed, 17 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Corinne Redfern https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/17/ivory-coast-teens-take-on-childcare-to-help-classmates-stay-in-school https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/17/ivory-coast-teens-take-on-childcare-to-help-classmates-stay-in-school In a village outside Abidjan, young mothers are getting the chance to continue their education thanks to best friends and sisters who are splitting their days between school and childcare. Health Reproductive Rights Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000 Marta Kasztelan https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/16/love-child-behind-the-rise-in-cambodias-teen-pregnancy-rates https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/16/love-child-behind-the-rise-in-cambodias-teen-pregnancy-rates Cambodia has seen a dramatic spike in teen pregnancies since 2010, with rates tripling in some parts of the country, as an increasing number of teenage girls choose to get married ‘for love.’ Health Reproductive Rights Solutions Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:30:00 +0000 Dominic Kirui https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/12/the-kenyan-church-leader-who-became-a-family-planning-champion https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/12/the-kenyan-church-leader-who-became-a-family-planning-champion In West Pokot county, which has one of the highest fertility rates in Kenya, a Catholic catechist is spreading the word about the benefits of contraceptive use, hoping to save community members from the struggles he faced as part of a large family. Health Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:00:00 +0000 Didem Tali https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/11/how-mongolia-revolutionized-reproductive-health-for-nomadic-women https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/11/how-mongolia-revolutionized-reproductive-health-for-nomadic-women With a series of health reforms and the use of new technologies, Mongolia has dramatically cut its maternal mortality rate and boosted access to maternal healthcare for one of its most vulnerable populations: nomadic women in remote communities. Health Fri, 05 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000 Sara Hylton https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/05/the-mothers-and-midwives-behind-south-sudans-maternal-mortality-crisis https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/05/the-mothers-and-midwives-behind-south-sudans-maternal-mortality-crisis The world’s youngest country, South Sudan, also has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. In her photo essay, Sara Hylton captures the challenges facing new mothers in Juba and the struggles of midwives trying to make it safer for women to give birth. Crisis and Conflict Health Wed, 03 Jan 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Alexandra Bradford https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/the-syrian-doctor-building-an-underground-hospital-for-women-and-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/the-syrian-doctor-building-an-underground-hospital-for-women-and-girls With Syria’s healthcare system crippled by conflict, women and children are dying from treatable illnesses. One doctor and his team are providing them safe, dedicated medical care by building hospitals below ground, out of the reach of airstrikes. Crisis and Conflict Health Solutions Fri, 29 Dec 2017 03:00:00 +0000 David Njagi https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/29/in-kenya-piped-water-shields-women-and-girls-from-wild-animal-attacks https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/29/in-kenya-piped-water-shields-women-and-girls-from-wild-animal-attacks In northern Kenya, climate change forces pastoralist women and girls to compete with baboons, leopards and elephants for water. By installing pipes and tanks to bring water to villages, communities can keep girls in school and women out of the path of danger. Health Reproductive Rights Wed, 27 Dec 2017 03:00:00 +0000 Vandana Tripathi, Mary Nell Wegner, Kayla McGowan, Sarah Hodin https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/27/surgery-a-cure-for-fistula-but-also-a-cause https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/27/surgery-a-cure-for-fistula-but-also-a-cause Four maternal health experts come together to examine how fistula, while known to be treatable by surgery, is also caused by unsafe surgical techniques, and what the global health community can do about it. Health Solutions Wed, 20 Dec 2017 03:00:07 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/20/last-hope-the-doctor-who-fixes-inoperable-fistulas-in-nigeria https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/20/last-hope-the-doctor-who-fixes-inoperable-fistulas-in-nigeria At Evangel fistula center in Jos, Dr. Sunday Lengmang performs a complicated surgery, always for free, to cure cases of fistula that most surgeons can’t or won’t even try to treat. Health Minority Rights Reproductive Rights Solutions Tue, 19 Dec 2017 04:12:37 +0000 Puja Changoiwala https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/19/the-fight-to-end-forced-sterilization-of-girls-with-disabilities https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/19/the-fight-to-end-forced-sterilization-of-girls-with-disabilities Girls with disabilities in India are often at risk of forced hysterectomies when they begin to menstruate. One activist in Mumbai is educating both parents and children about periods to protect girls from unnecessary procedures and other types of abuse. Health Politics and Policy Mon, 18 Dec 2017 13:06:23 +0000 Sutirtha Sahariah https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/18/abused-and-imprisoned-in-indias-state-run-care-homes-for-women https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/18/abused-and-imprisoned-in-indias-state-run-care-homes-for-women Women’s care homes in India are meant to offer protection for those who have nowhere else to go. But activists, authorities and former residents accuse the overcrowded, understaffed homes of trapping women in a cycle of abuse. Health Solutions Fri, 15 Dec 2017 11:30:31 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/15/menstrual-cups-and-reusable-pads-are-a-hit-in-ugandas-refugee-camps https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/15/menstrual-cups-and-reusable-pads-are-a-hit-in-ugandas-refugee-camps Menstrual hygiene is a challenge for the women across Africa who lack access to sanitary products and running water. A pilot program in a refugee camp in Uganda looks at whether reusable, long-lasting menstrual cups could be the solution. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Health Reproductive Rights Thu, 14 Dec 2017 03:00:19 +0000 Jihii Jolly, Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/14/deeply-talks-caring-for-rohingya-women-and-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/14/deeply-talks-caring-for-rohingya-women-and-girls Women & Girls speaks with Dr. Hassan Abdi of UNFPA and journalist Katie Arnold about how best to provide sexual and reproductive healthcare to Rohingya women and girls amid one of the world’s most desperate humanitarian crises. Gender-Based Violence Health Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:39:21 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/12/6-experts-to-watch-on-female-genital-mutilation https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/12/6-experts-to-watch-on-female-genital-mutilation As part of our ‘Experts to Watch’ series, we meet six campaigners who are advancing research, policy and action on the ground to bring an end to female genital cutting. Health Reproductive Rights Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:07:33 +0000 Sophie Cousins https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/11/sri-lankan-women-too-scared-to-seek-legal-post-abortion-care https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/11/sri-lankan-women-too-scared-to-seek-legal-post-abortion-care Abortion is illegal in almost all cases in Sri Lanka, but it’s perfectly legal for women to seek help after complications from backstreet abortions. Still, the fear of stigma and discrimination prevents many from coming forward. Health Politics and Policy Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:34:35 +0000 Skye Wheeler https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/07/the-devastating-domino-effect-of-the-global-gag-rule-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/07/the-devastating-domino-effect-of-the-global-gag-rule-in-kenya State-run clinics are exempt from the ban on U.S. funding going to groups that provide abortion services. But many government clinics rely on essential support from NGOs, who can no longer afford to offer it, says Skye Wheeler of Human Rights Watch. Health Minority Rights Mon, 04 Dec 2017 12:02:08 +0000 Mxolisi Ncube https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/04/south-africa-hospitals-accused-of-mistreating-pregnant-migrants https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/04/south-africa-hospitals-accused-of-mistreating-pregnant-migrants Asylum seeker Francine Kalala is suing South Africa’s government, claiming that two hospitals turned her away while in labor – forcing her to give birth in a train station. Activists say the neglect and abuse she suffered are rife in the country’s healthcare system. Health Solutions Thu, 30 Nov 2017 12:23:06 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/30/the-woman-entrepreneur-taking-the-taboo-out-of-hiv-testing-in-nigeria https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/30/the-woman-entrepreneur-taking-the-taboo-out-of-hiv-testing-in-nigeria In Nigeria, publicly addressing anything related to sex, such as HIV/AIDS testing, can spark fear and prejudice. But as the world prepares to mark World AIDS Day, one woman is helping Nigerians stay safe without the social stigma. Health Reproductive Rights Thu, 23 Nov 2017 03:38:54 +0000 Anastasia Maunilova https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/23/russia-considers-ban-on-immoral-commercial-surrogacy-industry https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/23/russia-considers-ban-on-immoral-commercial-surrogacy-industry Russia’s rapidly developing surrogate industry may now grind to a halt, as members of the parliament debate banning the practice. The issue is dividing feminists, the surrogacy industry and surrogate mothers – who are often some of Russia’s poorest women. Health Solutions Fri, 17 Nov 2017 11:40:01 +0000 Fiona Callister https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/17/why-we-should-invest-as-much-in-toilets-as-we-do-in-leonardo-da-vinci https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/17/why-we-should-invest-as-much-in-toilets-as-we-do-in-leonardo-da-vinci One in three people around the world have no access to a working toilet. But access to sanitation and clean water is essential to women’s health, education and opportunities, says Fiona Callister, global head of media at WaterAid. Crisis and Conflict Health Tue, 14 Nov 2017 10:05:52 +0000 Jennifer Huxta https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/14/the-volunteer-nurses-who-stepped-up-to-heal-victims-of-kenyas-police https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/14/the-volunteer-nurses-who-stepped-up-to-heal-victims-of-kenyas-police When protests against the election rerun in Kenya turned violent, volunteer nurses from around the country provided trauma first aid to victims of police brutality in Kisumu. Photojournalist Jennifer Huxta was there to witness a day of healing and loss. Education Health Solutions Thu, 09 Nov 2017 11:11:23 +0000 Sally Nyakanyanga https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/09/free-sanitary-pads-to-fight-school-dropout-child-marriage-in-zimbabwe https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/09/free-sanitary-pads-to-fight-school-dropout-child-marriage-in-zimbabwe When they get their periods, many girls in Zimbabwe skip school or drop out; others resort to exchanging sex for sanitary pads. The government and NGOs hope that giving girls free or affordable pads will stop puberty from derailing their education and childhoods. Health Solutions Fri, 03 Nov 2017 13:32:36 +0000 Sally Nyakanyanga https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/03/in-zimbabwe-grandmothers-on-benches-help-fight-depression https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/03/in-zimbabwe-grandmothers-on-benches-help-fight-depression At clinics around the country, women trained as community health workers sit on benches under trees and offer free counseling to people struggling with mental health issues. One study shows that these Friendship Benches work better than conventional treatments. Crisis and Conflict Health Thu, 02 Nov 2017 07:58:11 +0000 Sine Plambech https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/02/why-so-many-migrant-mothers-arrive-in-europe-pregnant-2 https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/02/why-so-many-migrant-mothers-arrive-in-europe-pregnant-2 Accusing migrant women of bringing ‘anchor babies’ to Europe misunderstands their journeys and motives, says researcher and anthropologist Sine Plambech. Understanding their real stories explains why so few are willing to return. Health Politics and Policy Mon, 23 Oct 2017 10:52:26 +0000 Sharmila Rudrappa https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/10/23/india-outlawed-commercial-surrogacy-but-clinics-are-finding-loopholes https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/10/23/india-outlawed-commercial-surrogacy-but-clinics-are-finding-loopholes India’s restrictions on commercial surrogacy have pleased some ethicists and advocates who argue that foreign couples should not be allowed to use surrogates in poorer countries. But Sharmila Rudrappa argues that bans have just made the practice more dangerous. Health Mon, 16 Oct 2017 07:22:14 +0000 Baseera Rafiqi https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/16/young-girls-in-kashmirs-garment-industry-are-losing-their-sight https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/16/young-girls-in-kashmirs-garment-industry-are-losing-their-sight In Kashmir’s Budgam district, many young women make a living embroidering traditional garments and rugs. But the long hours and poor lighting are taking a serious toll on their eyesight. Education Gender-Based Violence Health Solutions Wed, 11 Oct 2017 13:24:58 +0000 Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/how-the-world-needs-to-get-better-for-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/how-the-world-needs-to-get-better-for-girls On International Day of the Girl Child, we reflect on how much the international community still owes the girls of this world and why we need to make their voices heard. Gender-Based Violence Health Solutions Wed, 11 Oct 2017 09:19:34 +0000 Thomas Bwire https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/out-of-the-box-giving-voice-to-schoolgirls-in-kenyas-kibera-slum https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/out-of-the-box-giving-voice-to-schoolgirls-in-kenyas-kibera-slum For many girls, enduring a personal problem means suffering in silence. But a school-based program in the Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi lets girls share their secrets and get help using just a piece of paper and a wooden box.