Value of self-care for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights

Overview

Self-care refers to the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health and cope with illness, with or without the support of a health or care worker. Self-care does not replace health and care workers but it provides complementary, additional, acceptable and evidence-based options.

In the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), self-care actions and self-care interventions can empower people to manage their SRH autonomously. Self-care can support advancing primary health care and universal health coverage, including in settings and for communities where access to good-quality and affordable health services is limited or inequitable. The benefits of self-care for SRHR are wide-ranging.