Chronic diseases in women, their continued neglect, and the treatment to stop it

The global epidemic of chronic disease has been widely ignored or seen as less important than other health issues resulting in more than 80% of the prevalence of chronic diseases is in low and mid income countries. Women bear the burden of chronic disease more than men due to a myriad of factors such as the low socio-economic status and lack of awareness, empowerment and access to health care. According to a recent WHO report “premature deaths in countries such as China, India and the Russian Federation are also projected to cost these countries billions of dollars. The Bangkok Charter for Health Promotion in a Globalized World was adopted in August 2005 by participants at the 6th Global Conference on Health Promotion to address this global pandemic of chronic diseases. This charter is an important tool in improving the health of communities by local action on a global scale as it identifies the major challenges and barriers and existing plans for action globally. In addition, it also calls for global players to work together in a multi-sectorial approach and at grass roots by calling for political investment, and increased partnering between local / national governments, civil society, UN agencies and the private sector. This presentation will focus on the unique challenges women face in their fight to overcome the burden of chronic diseases and discuss cost effective interventions and tools such as advocacy and women's empowerment success stories about their outcome and the lessons learnt.