GENDER-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN THE IMPACT OF TROPICAL DISEASES ON WOMEN - WHAT DO WE KNOW

This paper explores the importance of gender differences in the impact of tropical diseases on women. Malaria and schistosomiasis are used a s examples but most of the observations also apply to other diseases e ndemic to developing countries. The distinction between sex and gender is discussed and evidence of sex and gender differences in the determ inants and consequences of malaria and schistosomiasis, particularly t heir economic, social and personal dimensions, is reviewed. Issues on which research and intervention studies are needed are identified.