WebsEdge/Health

Every day hundreds of women all around the world die from complications due to childbirth, while many more experience health problems related to diabetes, anaemia and preterm birth. Extensive research in populations across the developed and developing world are essential in ensuring a high standard of women’s health across the globe. At Queen Mary University of London, a group of experts in women’s health - from gynaecologists to epidemiologists to patient advocates – have gathered together together to form the Women's Health Research Unit, designed to be a centre of excellence for women’s health, and a WHO collaborating center. Through the collation of data from more than 40 countries, including information from hundreds of thousands of women all over the world, researchers working at the Women's Health Research Unit have put together a wide range of highly impactful studies looking at areas including gestational diabetes, nutrition and exercise during pregnancy as well as risk factors in pre-eclampsia. The Women's Health Research Unit also ensures a high level of quality in its research through training for young researchers. Through the Barts Research Centre for Women’s Health (BARC), supported by the Barts Charity, the team works closely with the local community to recruit patients as well as ensure the benefits of their research reach women across East London’s diverse population. To ensure patients are well represented in BARC studies, the centre works closely with Katie’s Team, a group of mothers and other members of the public who work as a public advisory group, ensuring women’s health research is done effectively and remains relevant to the needs of local mothers. Beyond London, BARC is deeply involved in bringing their findings to women all over the world. Through the East London International Women's Health, or ELLY, appeal, BARC researchers as well as clinicians and health workers are working to build capacity and reduce inequalities in women’s health through training and development. Global projects include the ELLY massive obstetric haemorrhage course in South-east Asia and the MOMS emergency obstetric skills and drills for developing countries. Through ongoing research, training for clinicians and the participation and involvement of women all over the world, the WOmen's Heath Research Unit is ensuring women’s health will continue to improve not just in the developed world, but everywhere.