Welcome to the new Target Program Health Blog, Health Matters! In this monthly blog we will be exploring matters important to women's (and girls') health: the top 10 issues for women's health according to the WHO, what prevents women and girls around the globe from enjoying good health, which societal and cultural factors play a role in health for women and girls, the targets of SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, the relationship between SDG 3 and the other SDGs, and more! The subject of health is broad, and encompasses all of FAWCO's focus areas, so there will be something for everyone. Join us as we take a look at how ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being can empower and improve the lives of women and girls.
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Rhobi Samwelly is the Founder and Director of Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania and the face behind the 2020-2022 Target Project, Safe Alternatives to FGM Elimination (S.A.F.E.).
(FGM = Female Genital Mutilation)
Rhobi grew up in a small village in the Mara district of the Serengeti in rural Tanzania. Rhobi’s father was from the Kurya tribe and her mother...
The FACTS about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), updated April 7, 2020
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus and COVID-19 is the disease caused by it.
Death rates are only of those diagnosed, not all those infected.
There are many questions that are being asked about the current COVID-19 outbreak. We have tried to provide you with answers to the most frequently asked...
I’ve been following the research of professors of psychology and positive psychology in the field of well-being or happiness for many years. As part of this, I’ve taken several courses with experts in the field and helped facilitate a few courses too. Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University is the latest to offer a...
Definition: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or any other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
FGM = cutting
Cutting season:July, August and September are known as the “cutting season” in many countries and for many girls around the world; it is school break...
Women and girls in the Mara region of Tanzania.
With the appearance of a completely new virus that can infect and spread between humans, such as SARS-COV-2, no one will have any pre-existing immunity to fight the virus if they are exposed. The lack of protective...
There are many questions that are being asked about the current COVID-19 outbreak. We have tried to provide you with answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Coronaviruses are viruses commonly found in...
K
enni, a young mother and dental hygienist in Texas, was diagnosed in 2012 with a respiratory infection. After treatment with antibiotics failed to improve her condition, she was diagnosed with bronchitis and then pneumonia. As her condition worsened, she became exhausted and continually out of breath. After a CAT scan, bronchoscopy and blood work, she received the surprising diagnosis...
Do you know that the incidence of breast cancer varies from 19.3 per 100,000 women in Eastern Africa to 89.7 per 100,000 women in Western Europe? Belgium has the highest incidence of breast cancer, namely 113.2 per 100,000 women, followed by Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France. Many FAWCO clubs around the world...
We are in the early weeks of a new year, a new decade, one in which we will become one year older. The seasons continue to change – spring, summer, fall and winter! And so does the season of life as well. Pope Paul VI said “In youth the days are short, and the...
by Mary Tracy, formerly of AWC Bogotá
The New Year of 2020 seems a perfect opportunity to clearly consider not just what we want to accomplish or do differently, but also what we already have and are already doing that functions as effective self-care. Before setting resolutions to establish certain new habits or accomplish specific goals, it can be good...
A project of CHASE Africa - submitted by Sonal Perry of the American Women of Surrey
TP_Shortlisted_Proposal_-_Improving_access_to_family_planning_and_healthcare_in_rural_Kenyan_communities.pdf
A project of Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania - submitted by Jane Romain of the Munich International Women’s Club
TP_Shortlisted_Proposal_-_S.A.F.E._Safe_Alternatives_for_FGM_Elimination.pdf
A project...
World AIDS Day (WAD), observed each year on December 1, is a moment to stand still and reflect on the impact of HIV/AIDS over the last number of decades. WAD was first celebrated in 1988 with the theme “Join the Worldwide Effort,” therefore making 2019 the 31st year of creating awareness and showcasing awareness. The theme for WAD 2019 is...
“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” A statement adopted more than 70 years ago and repeated by Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus in December 2017 remains as relevant in 2019 as it was in the late 1940s when...
“Does anyone have any antibiotics I can borrow? My husband is sick and has an important presentation for work, but the doctor here won't prescribe them.” “My child has a sore throat with fever. I'm sure it's strep throat, but the doctor is making us wait! Does anyone have any amoxicillin they don't need?”
These are some...
The World Health Organization’s definition of health is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The definition of mental health is a complex and challenging one, but should incorporate our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. According to the Mental Health group of the US Department of Health & Human...
FAWCO is committed to improving the lives of women and girls worldwide, especially in the areas of education, the environment, health and human rights. Every three years, FAWCO initiates a new Target Program based on one of these four focus areas. The current Target Health Program focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for women and girls. While health...
“Aunt Flo. On the Rag. The Curse.” According to an international survey conducted in 2015 by the period app Clue along with the International Women's Health Coalition, there are 5,000 euphemisms used around the world for the words “menstruation” or “period.” While some of these terms may seem funny, they also have a more somber side, because they reinforce the...
The World Health Organization (WHO) created a calendar of observance days/weeks with the aim of creating awareness and understanding about health issues and to mobilize support for action on an individual basis, or in organizations or broader society. The topics vary hugely and span numerous disease/illness areas that are addressed throughout a calendar year, whether they be Alzheimer’s Dementia or Zoonosis. The...
In 2007, the Women and Gender Equity Knowledge Network of the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health published their Report on Gender Inequity in Health. The report stated: “Gender inequality damages the physical and mental health of millions of girls and women across the globe. Taking action to improve gender equity in health and to address women's rights...