# Not just reproductive: a roundtable on addressing gynaecological health through the life course in South Asia

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of addressing gynaecological health beyond reproduction in South Asia, highlighting challenges and potential solutions.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a life-course approach to gynaecological health in South Asia, emphasizing the need for comprehensive data and evidence.

## Key findings

- Common gynaecological ailments in South Asia are often underdiagnosed or untreated.
- Midwife-led programs and primary health care investments show promise in improving gynaecological health.
- Data collection on gynaecological health is identified as a key priority for future action.

## Abstract

A roundtable on gynaecological health in South Asia engaged speakers from four countries to share insights on the current context, challenges and priorities for action in the region. Women’s gynaecological needs beyond maternal health are overlooked in most settings, with common ailments underdiagnosed or untreated. While over-medicalisation and a lack of data and evidence are two common challenges, midwife-led programmes, investment in primary health care and nationwide data collection on gynaecological health are promising initiatives. The key priorities for evidence generation are to: understand gynaecological health and its interlinked determinants; examine impacts on quality of life; and design approaches that address women's health through the life course.