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I was shocked to read that only 1 percent of healthcare research and innovation worldwide is invested in female-specific conditions beyond oncology. This was highlighted in an announcement by the Gates Foundation last month, as it committed $2.5 billion through 2030 to accelerate research and development focused exclusively on women’s health because it remains chronically underfunded. So, I investigated this subject and the data is astounding.

In 2020, only 5 percent of global research and development funding was allocated to women’s health research. Four percent was for women’s cancer and the other 1 percent for all other women-specific health conditions — and, of that 1 percent, 25 percent was further limited to fertility research. This focus on fertility overlooks a broad range of health conditions that disproportionately affect women, including autoimmune diseases and depressive disorders, as well as conditions that present different symptoms in women than men, such as cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women globally, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. This is often due to factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unhealthy eating, smoking, lack of exercise or genetics, with risks increasing after menopause and during pregnancy.

Historically, women have rarely been included in clinical trials. Despite women being half the global population, men’s bodies were considered the “norm,” while physical, physiological and psychological differences between men and women were ignored. In addition to historical bias, there are policies that are meant to protect unborn children from exposure to drugs and treatments — therefore, pregnant or childbearing-age women are restricted from participating in clinical trials, which is good, but it also limits the pool of women. In 1993, the US Congress passed a law requiring the inclusion of women in clinical research. Furthermore, there are social and cultural aspects that make it a challenge to recruit and retain women in clinical trials and medical research.

In 2020, only 5 percent of global research and development funding was allocated to women’s health research

Maha Akeel

This failure to study how medications and other interventions affect women contributes to them experiencing adverse effects from medications at twice the rate of men. A 2013 study found that women with metal hip replacements were 29 percent more likely than men to experience implant failure, possibly due to anatomical differences and inadequate testing in women. Despite living an average of five years longer than men, women spend 25 percent more of their lives in poor health or with some degree of disability. Closing this health gap could yield seven additional healthy days per woman yearly.

Women’s bodies are fundamentally different from men’s, with unique organs, genes, hormones and other physiological processes. These differences cause women to experience many medical conditions differently and disproportionately compared to men. Yet, gender-specific research is lacking. Only 7 percent of healthcare research focuses on conditions exclusively affecting women. Not including women in clinical trials can lead to inaccurate dosing and compromises in safety and efficacy.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women face even greater risks. Only 5 percent of available medications have been adequately tested, monitored and labeled with safety information for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Furthermore, gender-disaggregated data is frequently missing from published trials, which undermines the ability to design effective, targeted interventions that reflect how women uniquely experience disease. This gender gap in health research can further cause women to face misdiagnoses, delayed treatment and preventable suffering.

There is also gender bias in treating women. A 2022 study in the US found that nearly 30 percent of women report having their health concerns dismissed by a provider and 15 percent say their provider did not believe they were telling the truth. Research shows that women are 13 percent to 25 percent less likely than men to receive opioid analgesia when reporting acute abdominal pain. Another study showed that women experience longer emergency department waiting and processing times than men.

This gender gap can further cause women to face misdiagnoses, delayed treatment and preventable suffering

Maha Akeel

Addressing women’s health is also good for the economy. According to research by the World Economic Forum released last year, addressing the disparities between men’s and women’s health could not only improve the length and quality of life for millions for women, but also boost the global economy by more than $1 trillion annually by 2040. Fewer sick days, less time at the hospital and less pain and inability to function all adds up to better health and better productivity, not just in the workplace but also in women’s personal lives as caretakers and family supporters. More personalized medical care for women, addressing their specific health issues, and better preventive strategies would have a positive impact on their lives and consequently economic development.

Women’s health is a strategic priority in ����ֱ��’s national health system. The Ministry of Health is committed to providing comprehensive, integrated healthcare for women throughout all stages of their life. National initiatives for women’s health aim to raise awareness, empower women to make informed health decisions and ensure access to preventive, curative and rehabilitative services.

A significant initiative on research is the Rofaida Women’s Health Organization, which was established in 2016 at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. It takes a holistic approach and focuses on women’s health and wellness through empowering women with knowledge, skills and supportive policies that enable them to make informed health decisions. Rofaida’s core strategy is to inform, educate and advocate. Among the content on its website is research done on Saudi women’s health.

Although its focus is primarily on reproductive and sexual health, its founders — a group of professional Saudi women medical practitioners — recognize that women’s health is not only gynecological health and that there is a need for comprehensive research on women’s health in ����ֱ��, as globally. They call for personalized healthcare and evidence-based practices as a fundamental right for women.

• Maha Akeel is a Saudi expert in communications, social development and international relations. She is a member of the UN’s Senior Women Talent Pipeline. X: @MahaAkeel1