Two landmark Reviews published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health reveal stark global inequities in how endometriosis is recognised, treated, and prioritised in national health systems.
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause severe pelvic pain and infertility. It affects an estimated one in ten women and girls worldwide, yet the new research shows that across the 194 WHO member states, nearly half of all countries have no national policies or clinical guidance on diagnosis or care.
Global gaps in care and guidance
The first study, Availability of region-specific endometriosis care guidance: a global scoping review, reveals striking disparities in the availability of region-specific endometriosis care guidance and treatment around the world — with more than a quarter of countries lacking any publicly available clinical recommendations. Only 7% have official government-endorsed clinical care guidelines. For many countries, the only regional endometriosis care guidance identified was from informal sources, such as advocacy websites or social media, contributing to wide inconsistencies in care. Researchers found that while Europe had the greatest availability of guidelines, many low- and middle-income countries had little or no formal guidance for providers or patients.
First author Devon Evans, Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba, says: “Our findings show that many people living with this chronic condition are navigating care in regions where no official recommendations exist.”
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health website.