Misinformation and lack of awareness surrounding female reproductive health continue to persist worldwide. Zoya Ali, a researcher and scientist working in the United Kingdom, is on a mission to dismantle taboos surrounding discussions about female health and promote access to reliable information.
Through leveraging the power of social media, staying up to date with mobile apps and digital services, and collaborating with a company that specializes in femtech – software and services using technology tailored towards women’s health – Zoya hopes to empower people and reshape the narrative surrounding reproductive and sexual health.
Digitalizing reproductive health
In recent years, digital health services have become more popular, making it easier to assess and manage symptoms remotely. Zoya routinely tests various mobile apps for female reproductive health.
“Digitalization has made it a lot easier to track things and see patterns,” she says. “Back in the day, we would record menstrual cycles in a journal or try to memorize them. Now it’s possible to just log the dates into an app and immediately get insights about your body.”
A check-up can now include an online questionnaire that uses an algorithm to analyse answers to identify potential health conditions or areas of concern. On some platforms, doctors can refine the analysis and provide personalized recommendations without ever seeing the patient in person. This remote-first approach can help to bridge gaps in access and extend vital health-care resources to remote areas.
Some mobile apps can flag symptoms linked to reproductive health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, which may otherwise remain undiagnosed for years. However, Zoya emphasizes that apps cannot substitute professional medical advice. “It's important to remember that a chatbot cannot replace a health-care professional,” she says.
Given that health apps rely on data entered by patients themselves, users are responsible for providing accurate information. “At the same time, people should be mindful about sharing personal health data with third parties, especially when it comes to women’s sexual and reproductive health,” Zoya explains. She adds that investing in digital health literacy is crucial to ensure that users know how to use these tools effectively.
Bridging knowledge gaps
In addition to her work and research, Zoya runs a popular Instagram page called Uteropedia dedicated to reproductive health and sex education. With an audience of over 30 000, her content covers topics such as contraception, menstrual health and fertility, presented through colourful infographics and engaging videos.
“Conversations about female reproductive health often centre around pregnancy and childbirth. But our health matters regardless of whether we plan to have children,” Zoya says. “The gaps in education lead to shame and secrecy, hindering honest discussions and better health outcomes.”
Having studied the experiences of those with a PCOS diagnosis during a research project, Zoya found that most people postponed seeking help because they did not think their symptoms needed medical attention. “Dismissing alarming symptoms can lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment,” she says.
Following a series of posts on breast cancer, Zoya received feedback from a follower who had requested an assessment after learning from her content. “They found the cancer early,” the person wrote, “I am now on the path to recovery.” This underscores Zoya’s objective to raise awareness and empower people to prioritize their health.
Zoya refrains from offering medical advice, instead employing an educational and relatable approach. “I reflect on what people my age would want to know and what I wish I knew growing up,” she explains.
Countering misinformation
The evolution of social media and artificial intelligence has led to a sharp increase in the prevalence of false health information. WHO/Europe recognizes misinformation and disinformation as serious threats, and has published a series of practical guidelines for people and national authorities to handle infodemics.
“The most important thing is to understand who you are getting health information from,” Zoya emphasizes. “Ask yourself, is this social media influencer or app here to help me or make a profit? Are they citing reliable sources? Are they qualified to give this information?”
Zoya advises people to check reviews and comments, and to think critically about credentials. Unlike doctors and scientists, those calling themselves health experts or gurus may have no accountability to anyone. “Be cautious when seeking advice online, especially when it comes to your health.”
WHO/Europe support
WHO/Europe’s 2023 report on the status of data and digital health in the Region uncovered an uneven deployment and uptake of digital solutions. This means that millions of people across the Region are still unable to benefit from digital health technology. This inequity urgently needs to be addressed through targeted investment and by building the digital health literacy of patients and health-care workers.
An earlier WHO/Europe study found that women, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, are less likely to have access to digital technology, the skills to use it, or the motivation to engage with digital platforms.
The Digital Health Action Plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030 aims to enhance country capacities to govern digital transformation in health care and advance digital health literacy.