Bridging the Gap in African Women's Uterine Health: Youterus Health
In early May, I cradled my newborn daughter in my arms. A profound wave of gratitude and love swept over me. Yet, it was impossible to forget the journey that led to her arrival. Three years prior, I was confronted with the daunting challenge of understanding how uterine fibroids could impact my fertility. As I gazed upon her tiny hands, a mix of awe and worry filled my heart. In that moment, I made a solemn pledge to work tirelessly towards a world where black and brown girls have unfettered access to healthcare that is comprehensive and tailored to their unique and holistic needs.
My role as a public health scholar suddenly took on new meaning. Life felt more urgent, and I became acutely aware of the gaps in women's health that needed attention. These gaps, those often-unnoticed spaces where countless women silently struggle, became my driving force. This work became deeply personal, and it was my own journey into motherhood that propelled me to delve into women's health, particularly in the context of Africa.
Drawing inspiration from my daughter, just four weeks postpartum, I continued my doctoral summer program. It was during this time that I laid the foundation for Youterus Health (YH). YH, although in its nascent stages, is more than just a company; it is a movement by and for African women. It aspires to create the largest digital community exclusively dedicated to gynecological care, starting with uterine fibroids. While my own experiences with fibroids served as the catalyst, YH is built to center, uplift, and amplify the sacred stories, diverse expertise, and collective efforts to reimagine care for African women's health.
The Starting Point
The neglect of uterine health conditions, notably uterine fibroids (UF), within African women's reproductive health policies and programs is a glaring oversight. Despite Africa being home to the world's largest population of black women, prevailing healthcare priorities predominantly revolve around maternal mortality, prenatal care, HIV/AIDS, and female genital mutilation. Shockingly, accessible information and research concerning uterine health conditions, such as UF, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are gravely insufficient for African women. A cursory digital search on African women's health will reveal a focus on other issues, leaving a significant void. This is alarming considering that studies show uterine fibroids disproportionately affect black women in the United States, with 80% diagnosed by age 50, compared to 70% of white women. However, the majority of UF studies predominantly concentrate on the African American demographic, sidelining robust epidemiological investigations into the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of uterine fibroids in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scarcity leads to underreporting and an incomplete understanding of the true consequences of UF for African women, leaving a substantial gap that urgently needs attention.
The Significance of Addressing UF
The underreporting and scarcity of UF studies among African women impede a comprehensive understanding of their consequences and costs. Studies conducted in the US can serve as proxy indicators for the true health and economic repercussions of neglecting UF. For example, UF costs the US between $5.9 billion and $34.4 billion annually, and a significant number of women report missing work due to fibroids. Several barriers hinder African women with UF, including poor access to appropriate healthcare facilities, a lack of well-trained providers, poor service quality, affordability issues, and inadequate nutrition. Advanced fibroids in black women in Africa often resemble pregnancy, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of fibroids, such as menorrhagia, can cause severe health issues like anemia, pelvic pain, subfertility, and miscarriages. African women are the pillars of their families and communities, and the consequences of unaddressed gynecological issues perpetuate harmful cultural and social perceptions, further marginalizing those who cannot access information and timely care.
YH to Change Systems
YH responds to the critical requirement for reproductive health and gynecological care that centers around African women. By focusing on uterine health conditions, including UF, Youterus seeks to bridge the information void, heighten awareness, and advocate for policies and programs that prioritize the needs of African women. Committed to inclusivity, research, and collaboration, Youterus Health stands poised to make a substantial impact on the reproductive and gynecological health of African women. Together, we can bridge the gap, create lasting change, and ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, receives the care and support she deserves.