Gender and leadership for health literacy to combat the epidemic rise of noncommunicable diseases

Health Care Women Int. 2017 Aug;38(8):833-847. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2017.1332062. Epub 2017 May 19.

Abstract

Until recently, the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) epidemic has been considered only a significant burden to men in high-income countries. However, latest figures indicate that half of all NCD-related deaths affect women, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with global responses to the NCD epidemic overlooking the significance of women and girls in their approaches and programs. This case study highlights the burden of disease challenging South Africa that disproportionately affects women in the country and suggests that the country, along with other LMICs internationally, requires a shift in the gender-based leadership of health literacy and self-empowerment.

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Epidemics
  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Health Literacy / methods
  • Health Literacy / organization & administration*
  • Health Policy
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Leadership*
  • Noncommunicable Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Noncommunicable Diseases / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors
  • South Africa / epidemiology