November 18, 2020
More than just a virus.
2 minutes
Worldwide, more than 50 million people have contracted Covid-19. But the cost to women’s health goes much further than the virus itself. Women’s physical and mental health has suffered. During the crisis, they have struggled to access adequate healthcare; those with chronic illnesses – like cancer and diabetes – have fallen behind in their treatment. And it’s women living alone or on low incomes that have proved the most vulnerable. Action is needed now to support women in their efforts to improve their own health and well-being – and, importantly, that of their families.
This is the second of two AXA reports into the Covid-19 crisis – and its impact on women. The first, published in October, examined the effect on women’s incomes, job security and prospects for employment* . This time, we’re looking at women’s health, and the effect of the crisis not only on their physical and mental well-being – but also how they’re approaching healthcare in a time of pandemic.
To put together this report, we again worked with research firm Ipsos to survey 8,000 women from different social and economic backgrounds in eight countries: France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, Thailand and the UK. All interviews were carried out in October – before news of recent progress toward a safe and effective vaccine.