When the World Health Organization (WHO) examines gender in relation to the health of a nation, they must keep in mind that health disparities often exist between different genders due to a variety of social, economic, and cultural factors. These disparities can manifest in access to healthcare, prevalence of certain diseases, outcomes of medical treatments, and overall health status.
Specifically, WHO considers how gender roles and norms influence health behaviors, access to health services, and health outcomes. This includes addressing issues such as maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and the impact of social determinants of health that disproportionately affect one gender over another. Additionally, recognizing that gender is not strictly binary and considering the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals is also essential in understanding the overall health landscape.
Overall, a comprehensive approach involves understanding how gender intersects with other factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and geography to impact health outcomes.