Healthy People 2010 – Women's and Men's Health: A Comparison of Select Indicators

Foreward

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Healthy People 2010 has two overarching goals, both of which concern women and girls — increase quality and years of healthy life, and eliminate health disparities. As stated in the Healthy People 2010 document published in 2000, "Whereas some differences in health between men and women are the result of biological differences, others are more complicated and require greater attention and scientific exploration."

The Office on Women's Health (OWH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is charged with providing leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through gender-specific approaches. OWH has produced this Women's and Men's Health: A Comparison of Select Indicators in partnership with the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

As indicated in the report, gender differences in health persist. For some of the objectives discussed here, both females and males appear to be lagging in terms of meeting Healthy People 2010 targets. Nevertheless, progress has been noted for both females and males. In one case, physical assault by intimate partners, the 2010 target has been exceeded.

This progress can be attributed to the many efforts of individuals and public and private sector organizations at local, State, and national levels. But greater progress in other areas is essential. As we approach the end of this decade, I encourage everyone to redouble efforts to improve the health of women and girls across the Nation.

Wanda Jones, Dr.P.H.
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's Health)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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Content last updated July 1, 2009.

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