HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS IMPACTED WOMEN’S HEALTH: Transforming women’s health and wellness

Chief Digital Officer, Cipla South Africa

By Genevieve Mannel

In recent years, technology has made vast improvements in the healthcare sector, transforming the way we approach health and wellness. Women have specifically benefited from these advancements, as they have been able to use technology to empower themselves through education, tracking their health and gaining access to virtual healthcare.

In this article, we will discuss how technology has impacted women’s health and empowerment and point out some examples of technology that have made this possible.

Health Education: One way technology has empowered women is through access to health education. Women can now easily access health information through their smartphones or computers, which has increased their knowledge and awareness about their health issues. For instance, according to WHO, cervical cancer screening can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%, yet millions of women worldwide had never been screened.

However, mobile health technologies have provided cervical cancer screening material to these women where medial resources have been limited.

Women can now easily access mobile applications containing health tips, answers to health queries and advice on healthy lifestyles. Examples of this is the period-tracking apps, like Clue, which provides education about menstrual health to millions of women globally. The app provides personalized insights and reminders about a woman’s menstrual cycle, enabling them to track their symptoms and patterns easily. By providing this valuable information, women can better understand their bodies and make informed decisions regarding their health.

Telemedicine and Virtual Healthcare: Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare and has made it possible for women to receive medical services remotely. By using video calls, instant messaging, and other digital communication channels, women can now access virtual consultations with their doctors, whether it’s routine check-ups, counseling or urgent medical care no matter where they live. This has made a significant impact on women’s health, especially those living in remote areas or who are unable to visit a doctor in person. The virtual healthcare experience can also provide a more comfortable atmosphere for women seeking medical help. As a result, women are more likely to open up to their healthcare providers, share their concerns and work together to manage their health needs.

This has led to better patient-provider relationships, increased satisfaction with healthcare services, and ultimately better health outcomes for women.

Home diagnostic devices: With the advancements in technology, women can now monitor their health at home using diagnostic devices. For instance, wearable devices such as smartwatches can monitor heart rate, steps taken and even detect changes from the norm, alerting the user to seek medical attention if necessary. Women can also use blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and even ECG devices without leaving their homes. One of the most significant benefits of home diagnostic devices is they enable early detection of potential health problems. Women who can identify the early warning signs of conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases can get immediate medical assistance from their doctors. This can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

Empowering the voice of women: Social media platforms have become an essential tool for advocacy and women’s rights. One of the most significant benefits of this is how women can share their stories through platforms such as twitter and raise awareness of issues that affect their health. An excellent example is the #MeToo movement, which spread like wildfire across social media platforms in 2017, bringing to light the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence against women. Through this campaign, the voices of thousands of women worldwide were heard for the first time, encouraging women to come forward and share their experiences. This movement, coupled with technological advancements, has encouraged women to demand their rights, empowering them to stand up for their health.

In conclusion, technology has proven to be a significant game-changer in women’s health, with its impact reaching far and wide. Women can now access information, telemedicine, home diagnostic devices, and virtual healthcare services that were once inaccessible. They can also use social media to empower their voices, share their stories and demand their rights. Given these benefits, it is essential to leverage technology to empower women further and improve health equity. More innovative solutions must be created for the years to come, which will continue to benefit women worldwide.