Women’s health worsened in 2021

Global – Women from across the world have experienced worsening health conditions, according to medical tech company Hologic’s 2021 Global Women’s Health Index. Taiwan leads the index with the highest global health score.

Hologic’s survey is a comprehensive one, beginning in 2020 and backed by Gallup. After receiving nearly 127,000 responses to 15 questions from respondents in 122 countries or territories, the overall Global Women’s Health Index score was measured at 53 out of 100, one point lower than the previous year.

Taiwan led with the highest overall index score at 70 points. This was followed by Latvia, Austria, Denmark and Estonia. Taiwan and Kazakhstan scored highest on emotional health, while Singapore led in multiple aspects, including in opinions of health and safety.

Unsurprisingly, Afghanistan had the lowest overall score, at 22 out of 100, no doubt due to Taliban rule. India showed the biggest drop compared to 2020, with a significant reduction in emotional health as well as health and safety, basic needs and individual health.

‘We also see with greater clarity that healthcare disparities impact women in every country. The growing divides between women in high-income and low-income economies, and in urban and rural communities, are preventing all women from achieving better health,’ says Stephen MacMillan, chairman, president and CEO of Hologic.