Which countries in Europe rank best on women’s health?

A global assessment of women’s health indicates that preventative healthcare for women is lacking and evaluates countries based on various criteria.

A recent report revealed that Austria leads Europe in women’s health, ranking third globally. In 2017, the country implemented an action plan comprising 40 measures specifically targeting women’s health.

Other EU nations such as Germany, Denmark, Poland, and the Czech Republic also ranked in the top 10 worldwide for women’s health.

This report marks the third edition of the Women’s Health Index by Hologic, based on a survey involving over 147,000 participants from 143 countries and territories. Data collection occurred in 2022, with analysis completed in 2023.

The index considers factors such as healthcare access, emotional well-being, and food security.

Overall, the report indicates a concerning state of women’s health, suggesting that “women are no better off today than they were in the first year of the survey, conducted in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

One alarming finding is that one in four women suffer from health issues that impede their daily activities.

The survey also reveals that women in the UK experience more negative emotions compared to their EU counterparts, with higher reported levels of sadness, anger, and stress.

Janet Lindsay, CEO at Wellbeing of Women, emphasized the need for progress in preventive healthcare in the UK and addressed the existing gender health gap.

The UK ranked 37th out of the 143 countries included in the index.

The report underscores the importance of preventive healthcare in addressing major diseases. Despite nearly half of EU women receiving blood pressure tests annually, only one in five are screened for cancer, and a similar proportion for diabetes. The situation in the UK mirrors these figures.

Additionally, a small percentage of women are tested for sexually transmitted diseases, highlighting gaps in preventive measures.

Lindsay stressed the significance of investment in research and resources for women’s health, emphasizing the potential benefits to both the economy and society.

Despite growing recognition, femtech, which addresses women’s health, receives minimal funding compared to the broader healthcare industry, indicating a need for increased support and innovation in this area.