2025-07-23-世界卫生组织-Value_of_self-care_for_advancing_sexual_and_reproductive_health_and_rights页_3页_1mb

Self-care is defined as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness with or without health worker support. It complements professional health services and is essential for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Self-care interventions, such as ovulation predictor kits, pregnancy tests, HIV self-testing, and self-management of medical abortion, empower people to manage their SRHR autonomously.

Globally, over 4.5 billion people lack access to essential health services, including SRHR, and health worker shortages are projected to reach 11 million by 2030. Self-care offers a scalable, cost-effective solution to expand access, reduce maternal mortality, address unmet contraception needs, and empower marginalized populations. Countries like Germany, Morocco, Jamaica, India, Ghana, Kenya, Peru, Uruguay, Zimbabwe, and Timor-Leste have implemented successful self-care policies and interventions, such as telemedicine projects or regulatory approvals for HPV self-sampling.

Self-care supports universal health coverage by providing discreet, accessible, and person-centered options, benefiting women and girls, men and boys, and key populations like those living with HIV or experiencing social exclusion. However, careful design and integration into health systems are critical to ensure safety, address digital and psychosocial barriers, and avoid reinforcing inequalities. The World Health Organization provides guidelines and tools, such as competency frameworks and digital adaptation kits, to facilitate implementation.

In conclusion, self-care is a transformative approach that advances SRHR rights, promotes equity, and supports universal health coverage, but its success depends on robust policies, education, and health system integration for sustainable impact.