WHO Launches Guidance to Enhance Self-Care in Health Systems Worldwide
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidance to assist countries in integrating effective self-care interventions into their healthcare systems. These interventions include medicines, diagnostic and monitoring devices, and digital tools, empowering individuals to manage diseases, prevent illnesses, and access vital health information independently.
Self-care options, gaining popularity, encompass self-administered contraceptives, Covid-19, HPV, HIV, and STI screenings, blood pressure monitoring, pregnancy and ovulation tests, and mental health management techniques. Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) and the Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) at WHO, highlighted the importance of these interventions in addressing global healthcare disparities, particularly amid a shortage of health workers.
The guidance emphasizes the provision of accurate information and the supportive role of health workers, including pharmacists, family doctors, and community health workers. It aims to aid countries in adapting WHO’s self-care guidelines, promoting greater autonomy and access to health services for individuals. As interest in self-care interventions has surged, around 50 countries have already begun adapting the guidelines since their publication five years ago.
Source: WHO
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