Women's health: the unfinished agenda

Improving women's health and nutrition could save millions of women in developing countries from needless suffering or premature death. Cost-effective health interventions exist to prevent this loss of lives. Complications of pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death and disability among women of reproductive age in developing countries. Malnutrition is a major contributory factor to women's poor health and preventable mortality. Domestic violence, sexual abuse, and female genital mutilation carry a heavy physical and mental toll, as well as constitute an intolerable violation of human rights. Women's health is influenced by complex biological, social, and cultural factors that are highly interrelated. Significant progress can be achieved by strengthening and expanding an essential package of health services for women, improving the policy environment, and promoting more positive attitudes and behavior towards women's health. (C) 2000 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.