The Women’s Health Conference 2024, held from October 24 to 26 Singapore, brought together a diverse range of experts from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues in women’s health. Organised by the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health (GloW) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and supported by leading institutions like Harvard University and Université Paris Cité, the conference explored key topics on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of non-communicable diseases, particularly those affecting women throughout the course of their life.
Maluk Timor’s RHD Program Manager – Juliana dos Santos Sarmento, had the privilege of attending this prestigious event and gained valuable insights from the conference’s theme: “Save Women’s Lives, Promote Well-being, and Nurture Potential: A Holistic and Life Course Approach.”
Uncovering New Insights into Women’s Health
The conference covered a wide range of topics, and one of the most eye-opening aspects was the extensive focus on heart disease in women. With a keen interest in preventing heart disease, especially rheumatic heart disease (RHD), Juliana was delighted to see numerous research presentations centred on heart disease among women. Researchers discussed various factors that make women more susceptible to heart conditions, including hormonal differences, lifestyle factors, and the impact of pregnancy on heart health.
Among the various types of heart disease discussed, RHD emerged as a recurrent theme, especially within the context of women’s health. RHD, a potentially deadly but preventable condition caused by untreated streptococcal throat infections, is a major public health issue in many low- and middle-income countries, including Timor-Leste. Juliana found the discussions particularly relevant as RHD disproportionately affects women, including pregnant women, in Timor-Leste. This knowledge-sharing created an invaluable opportunity for cross-cultural learning and mutual support.
Bridging the Gap: Networking and Building International Partnerships
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending the conference was the chance to network with experts and practitioners from around the world. Juliana met colleagues from different countries, including those from Singapore, Africa, and Indonesia, who were conducting research and developing interventions in areas such as heart disease and RHD. Several of these international experts expressed interest in visiting Timor-Leste to collaborate on local health initiatives, particularly in the area of heart disease prevention and RHD management.
This exchange of knowledge and ideas was not only enriching from a professional perspective but also culturally significant. For someone from Timor-Leste, which has limited access to advanced medical resources, the opportunity to learn from countries with more established healthcare systems was invaluable. Understanding the different approaches to public health, disease prevention, and healthcare delivery systems in these countries was both enlightening and inspiring.
Addressing the Health Needs of Timor-Leste: A Call for Evidence-Based Research
The key takeaway from the conference was the importance of evidence-based research in shaping health policies, especially in developing countries like Timor-Leste. Juliana noted that many of the successful interventions and policies shared at the conference were based on solid research data that highlighted the urgency of addressing heart disease and RHD in women. This focus on research-driven solutions resonated deeply and emphasised the need for better reporting and research on heart disease and RHD in Timor-Leste to influence government policy and public awareness.
In Timor-Leste, heart disease and RHD are often underreported or misdiagnosed, making it difficult for the government and healthcare professionals to address these issues effectively. Creating accurate, evidence-based data on the prevalence of heart disease and RHD in women would be critical for raising awareness at the national level. This data, when shared with policymakers and the broader public, could drive better prevention strategies, earlier diagnoses, and improved healthcare outcomes.
Training and Capacity Building: The Road Ahead for Timor-Leste
There is immense value in training healthcare professionals in Timor-Leste to recognise and treat heart disease and RHD, particularly in women. To address the health needs of the population, the Timorese health system needs to build capacity at all levels. This includes not just clinical training but also the creation of public health programs that educate the community about the importance of prevention and early detection.
In response to this need, the Maluk Timor team, is currently developing clinical and non-clinical training modules to support the Ministry of Health in Timor-Leste. These materials will focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment, with a strong emphasis on improving women’s health. The goal is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to take action on heart disease and RHD, and to raise awareness among communities, particularly women, about the risks and preventative measures.
A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health
The Women’s Health Conference 2024 provided invaluable insights into global best practices and innovative approaches to women’s health. The experience highlighted the importance of addressing heart disease and RHD from a holistic, life-course perspective.
Juliana is excited to share her experience from the conference with her colleagues to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of women in Timor-Leste, saving lives and nurturing potential in the process.