Advancing self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health and rights in the WHO African Region

Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease and cope with illness – with or without the support of a health or care worker. Self-care interventions are emerging as powerful tools to support self-care and increase choice for accessible, affordable, available, acceptable and good-quality health care. By empowering individuals to manage their health – through actions like self-testing for pregnancy or selfmonitoring blood pressure – self-care complements formal health care, strengthening primary health care and offering a more comprehensive and holistic approach to health care (1). Self-care interventions can expand healthcare options without burdening health systems or individuals financially, while also addressing equity concerns that disproportionately impact underserved communities.