Women's health investments could boost global economy by $1tn annually

During the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, healthcare and investment leaders highlighted the economic potential of closing the women's health gap. Research from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey Health Institute suggests that addressing inequalities in women’s healthcare could add at least $1 trillion to the global economy annually by 2040. This is driven by the fact that women currently spend approximately 25 percent more of their lives in poor health than men, impacting employment and economic participation.

To support reproductive health services, governments and philanthropic organizations pledged over $715 million to expand access to infrastructure and supplies. The United Kingdom announced £254 million ($337.8 million) in funding, while the European Investment Bank provided a $232 million grant. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) noted that these commitments are critical as international funding for the sector has faced declines. The UK's contribution alone is estimated to help 15 million women annually access voluntary family planning, potentially preventing 14 million unintended pregnancies and 35,000 maternal deaths by 2028.