Self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health

A strategic health systems investment

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21879801
AutoresJesper Sundewall (0000-0001-5357-5754, Lund University), Andrea Williams (0000-0001-5009-1113, University of Basel), Michael Strauss (0000-0001-7849-8812, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa), Gavin George (0000-0001-7258-8470, Lund University), Elizabeth A Kelvin (0000-0002-0566-8697, Lund University)
Año2025
Volumen10
NúmeroSuppl 6
Páginase019030
Fecha de publicación2025-08-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
EditorialBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2025-019030
PMID40866081
OpenAlexW4413756855
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas18

Self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including HIV self-testing, self-injected contraception and self-managed abortion, offer promising pathways to advance universal health coverage, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While often framed as cost-saving measures, this paper argues that self-care should be understood as a strategic investment in health system performance. Drawing on costing and financing analyses and previous literature, we explore how self-care interventions can enhance efficiency, resilience and equity of health systems. We propose a costing framework that outlines cost components across development, implementation and scale-up, emphasising both system and individual-level considerations. We argue that sustainable scale-up of self-care requires diversified financing models, including tax-based funding, insurance mechanisms and reduced out-of-pocket costs for users. Successful integration also demands governance structures that prioritise quality, equity and continuity of care. By reframing self-care as a health system investment rather than a cost-containment tool, policymakers can better harness its potential to improve access, reduce burden on facilities and empower individuals in managing their health. Self-care interventions for SRH, when embedded within broader health system strengthening efforts, have the potential to be transformative for SRH outcomes and for progressing towards universal health coverage

Business · Cognitive reframing · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental health · Health care · Political science · Psychological intervention · Public economics · Reproductive health · Global Maternal and Child Health · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology