Introduction

The report outlines a framework to close the women’s health gap, defined as women spending 25% more of their lives in poor health than men—equal to about 75 million years of life lost each year. Closing this gap could add nearly $400 billion to annual global GDP by 2040, rising to more than $1 trillion when broader productivity gains are included. Women experience poorer outcomes globally due to inadequate data, limited research, inequitable care delivery, exclusion from clinical systems and sustained underinvestment.

More than a third of the women’s health gap stems from nine conditions

Nine conditions from 64 disproportionately or uniquely affect women and account for one-third of the gap. Five reduce lifespan: ischaemic heart disease, cervical cancer, breast cancer, maternal hypertensive disorder and post-partum haemorrhage. Four reduce health span: menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), migraine and endometriosis. Combined, they cause nearly 27 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually. PMS contributes 2.1 million DALYs with notable productivity loss. Migraine affects around 0.8 billion women and represents 2.7 million DALYs. Endometriosis impacts at least 190 million women, likely undercounted, significantly affecting quality of life and economic participation. The treatment market across these conditions exceeds $500 billion.

Quantifying the drivers: How to close the gap

Count women

Major data gaps persist, with many countries lacking registries, reliable prevalence data and treatment tracking. Conditions such as endometriosis and menopause remain undercounted; better measurement could avoid around 6 million DALYs by 2040. Medication volumes are poorly monitored, especially for generics. Only 10% of trials for ischaemic heart disease and migraine report sex-disaggregated results, and none consider hormonal stages in analysing treatment effectiveness.

Study women

Research investment remains misaligned with burden. Women-specific conditions responsible for 14% of the gap receive under 1% of global research funding. PMS is particularly neglected, receiving almost no dollars per DALY and having only 16 trials in 2023–2024. Maternal haemorrhage, maternal hypertensive disorders and endometriosis also receive limited research focus. Expanded basic, translational and implementation research centred on sex differences is needed.

Care for women

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) vary widely and are often outdated. Only six of the nine conditions appear on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Treatments for PMS, menopause and endometriosis are absent, reflecting limited recognition. Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as surgery are often untracked. The report recommends comprehensive, updated CPGs and stronger care systems.

Include all women

Social and cultural barriers restrict care access and research participation. Women in low-income settings face delayed diagnosis and limited intervention. Stigma around menstruation, menopause and cervical screening reduces care-seeking, as seen in low screening rates in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The report emphasises accessible solutions, improved provider training and trust-building.

Invest in women

Investment is rising across start-ups, research and clinical education, yet more is required. Funding for treatment, data systems and workforce capacity is essential to close the gap and deliver economic returns.

The path to progress

Five actions are proposed: strengthen sex- and gender-based data, expand research into women’s biology, update CPGs, ensure equitable access and inclusion and increase investment across systems. Coordinated action can reduce DALYs, improve outcomes and support global economic growth.