A recent report from the World Economic Forum highlights significant gender disparities in healthcare, particularly in how women's health issues are diagnosed and treated. Women spend 25% more of their lives in debilitating health compared to men, leading to an estimated 75 million years of life lost annually due to the health gap. The report notes that only 1% of healthcare research in 2020 focused on female-specific conditions, which contributes to the underdiagnosis of critical issues such as cardiovascular disease in women. Women are diagnosed with various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, four years later than men, and they are 10% less likely to have their pain assessed in hospitals. [33ee7fbd]
Additionally, conditions like endometriosis, which affects 10% of women, see only 20% of cases diagnosed in the U.S. Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, accounting for 80% of cases, while antimicrobial resistance poses higher risks for them. The report emphasizes that closing the healthcare gender gap could boost the global economy by $1 trillion by 2040. To address these disparities, the World Economic Forum launched the Global Alliance for Women's Health in January 2024, aiming to improve research and treatment for women's health issues. This initiative aligns with findings from the American Heart Association and the McKinsey Health Institute, which also underscore the need for increased investment in female-specific health research and better representation of women in clinical studies. [d5e2aed9]
The combined insights from both reports call for urgent action to ensure equitable healthcare for women. By focusing on understanding the unique health needs of women and promoting gender-specific research, the healthcare system can work towards reducing these disparities and improving health outcomes for all. [33ee7fbd]