According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Indian women have an average life expectancy of 69 years, compared to 65.5 years for men. However, healthy life expectancy tells a different story. Women enjoy only about 58.3 healthy years, while men average 58 years, leaving women to spend nearly 11 years coping with illness, weakness and disability.
Anaemia remains one of the biggest health challenges for women. The National Family Health Survey reports that 57% of women aged 15-49 are anaemic, compared with 25% of men. The condition causes fatigue, weak immunity and increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Experts attribute poor women's health to iron, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiencies, poor nutrition, poverty and inadequate healthcare. These factors affect productivity, maternal health, children's growth and long-term bone health. Ensuring proper nutrition and timely healthcare for women, especially adolescent girls, is essential for building healthier families and communities.
DATTAPRASAD SHIRODKAR, Mumbai
