Stakeholders have called for intentional and adequate investment in
women's and girls' health to bolster global health progress.
Speaking during a forum in Nairobi on Monday, the speakers reiterated that a healthy woman is an empowered woman and impacts those around them.
They called for more focus on the reproductive health of women and girls, which is anchored in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set in the year 2000.
They were speaking during a WomenX Collective forum held at the Aga Khan University.
The forum was held under the theme, “Transforming the health of every woman and girl with advanced solutions”.
The event was organised in partnership with the government, Africa CDC, and Aga Khan University.
It brought together top health leaders, investors, and regional stakeholders in Nairobi.
The purpose of
the event was to highlight the critical need for investment in women’s health
and position Kenya as a global leader in health innovation.
Speaking during the launch, the Executive
Director at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr Natalia Kanem emphasised that
reproductive health challenges pose a great danger among women.
“Reproductive health challenges remain a top cause of death
and disability among women in low- and middle-income countries. This is not
just a health issue but an economic one. Every dollar invested in women’s
health returns at least three and can drive up to Usd1 trillion in global GDP by
2040,” she said.
Despite major strides over the past 30 years, including
doubled modern contraceptive use, broader HPV vaccine coverage, and a halved
maternal mortality rate, progress has flattened and in some regions, stopped.
Inequalities are widening, and women’s health issues remain underfunded and
under-researched.
The WomenX Collective, launched successfully in Berlin in 2024, now sets its sights on Africa with the Nairobi Hub.
Designed as a driver
of innovation and impact, the hub will act as a centre for improved research,
scalable solutions and a training centre to tackle pressing health issues facing
women across the continent.
“The Nairobi Hub will be a catalyst for strategic
investments and meaningful partnerships. Africa’s vibrant innovation labor force, especially in Kenya, is perfectly positioned to lead the next frontier of health
breakthroughs,” said Dr Kanem.
This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the global push to prioritize women’s health.
By anchoring WomenX in Africa, UNFPA
aims to push for systemic change, amplify African leadership in global health
policy, and empower millions of women with better access to
life-saving care.
