Women's health: Innovation as the key to global equality

October 12 | Gates Foundation & GHA co-host the Innovation Equity Forum with over 200 participants in Berlin.

Women's health is far more than a niche issue—it is a key indicator of the strength and resilience of healthcare systems worldwide. Women contribute significantly to social stability not only as patients, but also as healthcare professionals, mothers, and decision-makers. Yet, significant gaps remain in medical research, care, and the development of products that specifically address women's needs. These gaps lead to avoidable disease burdens, limited participation, and a significant loss of economic and social potential.

Innovation plays a crucial role in closing these gaps – from new diagnostic solutions and therapies to digital approaches and innovative financing mechanisms. Last year, the Gates Foundation provided important impetus with the "Women's Health Innovation Opportunity Map," which highlights the areas where research, technology, and partnerships can be targeted to improve women's health worldwide.

We at the GHA-German Health Alliance, together with our members and numerous partners active in this field, are committed to putting women's health on the political agenda. On October 11 and 12, we co-hosted the Innovation Equity Forum with over 200 participants in Berlin alongside the Gates Foundation. Speakers included Hon. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Vice President and Minister of Health of Egypt; Prof. Dr. Veronika von Messling, Head of Department at the BMBF; and Stefan Oelrich, President of Bayer Pharmaceuticals. The discussions made it clear: Closing the innovation gap in women's health requires political will, cross-sector collaborations, bold investments, and a new understanding of equality in research and development. The GHA will continue to actively support this work and bring partners together to achieve sustainable progress for women worldwide.