Women's health: women's health is a global issue

All over the world, women live longer than men, up to 12 years longer in the Russian Federation. However, while women live longer, they are not necessarily living better, healthier lives. In developing countries, communicable diseases, together with childbirth-related illnesses, account for most morbidity among women. In the developed world, too, women report experiencing higher levels of physical and psychological morbidity. While women risk contracting the same endemic diseases as men, both biological and social factors may increase exposure or worsen the effects. The following are discussed as affecting women more than men, regardless of where they live: poverty, birth rates and aging populations, gender, violence against women, and lack of research about women. Issues affecting women in the developing world and in poorer areas of the developed world include education, lack of autonomy, legal status, preference for sons, traditional practices, lack of access to health care, work and environmental health hazards, and unequal human rights. Women's health in the developed world is also considered.