Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the essential nutrients needed for maintaining proper tissue and organ function are deprived, including undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition occurs in people who do not have enough essential nutrients or who excrete more rapidly than they should. In contrast, overnutrition occurs in people who eat too much or have imbalanced nutrients without enough exercise. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of poor dietary practices and nutritional deficiencies, which can impact reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, and overall quality of life. The interplay between malnutrition and female health is complex, influenced by socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and access to health services. This Collection seeks to explore these intricate relationships, shedding light on how malnutrition affects women at different life stages and in various contexts.

Addressing malnutrition among women is critical for improving health outcomes and promoting gender equality. Recent advances in research have highlighted the need for gender-sensitive approaches to nutrition that take into account the unique biological and social factors affecting women. Interventions aimed at improving dietary habits during pregnancy, lactation, and adolescence have shown promise in enhancing health outcomes for both mothers and children. By continuing to investigate these areas, we can develop targeted strategies that empower women and promote their health and well-being, advance our understanding of nutritional needs, tailor dietary guidelines and community-based programs, therefore addressing the nutritional challenges faced by women and girls.

The topics of this Collection include, but are not limited to the following:

• Impact of malnutrition on reproductive health

• Nutritional needs across the life stages of girls and women

• Dietary patterns and health outcomes for women and girls

• Community-based interventions for women's nutrition

• Nutrients requirements for women under disease conditions

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

The intersection of gender and health is particularly crucial in the context of HIV, where women face unique challenges in terms of risk, treatment, and care. Globally, women and girls represent more than half of persons living with HIV, and biological, psychosocial, and economic factors contribute to their outcomes across the HIV care continuum. Better understanding these elements is essential for developing effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and support pertaining to HIV and related coinfections and comorbidities. The complexities of women’s experiences with HIV necessitate a focused examination of their specific needs and the systemic barriers they encounter in healthcare systems worldwide.

As the global response to HIV evolves, significant progress has been made in understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women. Advances in antiretroviral therapies have improved health outcomes, while initiatives aimed at increasing access to care have begun to bridge existing gaps. Nonetheless, disparities remain, particularly among marginalized populations. Ongoing research is vital to design and implement effective interventions that are tailored to women’s needs across the lifespan; that enhance HIV care engagement and treatment adherence; and that promote holistic approaches to HIV and aging care that encompass both medical and psychosocial support.

The future of research in this area holds promising potential for groundbreaking advances. With a commitment to further investigating the intersection of gender, culture, and HIV, we can anticipate the development of innovative, women-centered healthcare models. This may include enhanced community-based interventions, the use of technology for monitoring and education, and policy changes that prioritize women’s health in global health agendas.

Topics welcome to the Collection include, but are not limited to:

- Women’s unique biological and psychosocial factors contributing to HIV risk and outcomes

- Access to care and treatment adherence in women

- Impact of socioeconomic and structural factors on women living with HIV

- Intersection of HIV, women’s health and aging, including screening and prevention of coinfections and comorbidities across the lifespan

- Innovative community-based interventions for women

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being, and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.