In certain regions in Africa, women tend to have poorer access to health care resources than men. Many women lack access to malaria treatment and resources that could protect them against Anopheles mosquitoes during pregnancy.
The results of these gender disparities are unacceptable, even in areas with low malaria transmission pregnant women are still placed at two or three times higher risk than men in terms of contracting a severe malaria infection. Women and children are suffering from higher mortality rates as a result of unequal health care.[1]
In this case cultural norms often serves as the barrier in gender disparities in health care. Certain women can't leave their own home without beeing accompanied by a male relative, making it harder for women to recieve healthcare when they need it the most. Although cultural factors plays a big part of these issues, the lack of resources is still the main problem.[2]
Every single individual must realize that if they are provided with safety and security in their own health care it comes with a responsibility.
Equal health care should be a given for everyone, but unfortunately that isn't the reality we live in. No government or politics will ever change that, it is up to all of us to make that change.
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[1]WHO/UNICEF (2003). The Africa Malaria Report 2003 (Report). Geneva: WHO/UNICEF.
[2]World Health Organization (2009).Women & Health: Today's Evidence, Tomorrow's Agenda(PDF) (Report). WHO Press.