A groundbreaking report published in #Davos by the #WorldEconomicForum and the #McKinseyHealthInstitute (MHI) reveals that closing the gender health gap could contribute over $1 trillion to the global economy annually by 2040. This marks the first attempt to quantify the economic potential of investing in women's well-being.
The study indicates that for every $1 invested in improving women's health, the economy could reap $3 in returns as women's quality of life improves and their active participation in the workforce increases. This investment could result in an additional seven healthy days per year for every woman, equating to over 500 days over a lifetime.
The report measures the health gap in terms of disability-adjusted life years, showing that women, on average, experience poor health for 25% longer than men. It highlights structural and systemic barriers that lead to this disparity, citing studies from Denmark that reveal delayed diagnoses for women in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
Additionally, the report sheds light on the oversimplification of women's health, primarily focusing on sexual and reproductive health, while neglecting other significant aspects. It also underscores the scarcity of research funding for women's health conditions compared to men's.
Dr. Lucy Pérez, a co-author of the report, emphasizes that addressing these root causes is crucial, as women's health is essential during working-age years. The report's release coincided with the launch of the Global Alliance for Women's Health, aiming to improve investments in women's health with support from 42 organizations pledging $55 million. In conclusion, closing the gender health gap has enormous health and economic benefits, offering tremendous opportunities for individuals and the global economy alike.
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Link: The Guardian
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