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The Value of Women’s Health for Countries and Communities

SpeakerS:

H.E. Toyin Saraki, Founder & President, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa
H.E. Eliza Reid, Author, Former First Lady, Republic of Iceland (2016-2024)
Shira Gerver, Vice President, Oncology Corporate Affairs, AstraZeneca

With Lead Programming Sponsor

“Our mission is to eliminate cancer as the cause of death, and we know we can't do that alone. Every day, our teams are working around the world towards that goal, partnering with governments, academic institutions, health providers, patients, and so many others to improve the care experience for cancer patients and improve outcomes through collaborative cross-sector partnerships.” Shira Gerver
“Every person in this room is a role model, and we may have different degrees of influence, but we all have an impact on those around us. We can really decide: do we want to use the voices that we all have to help amplify the voices of other people who may not be being heard, to share positive news stories, to share tangible, progressive things that we can all be doing?” H.E. Eliza Reid
“There is hope. We are witnessing voices beyond long-standing NGOs and health ministers calling for major changes in how governments approach and formulate policy.” H.E. Toyin Saraki

Key takeaways:

  • Breast cancer’s global impact: Breast cancer remains a critical global health issue, with 2,000 women dying every day—equating to two deaths every one and a half minutes. The majority of these women are of working age, which significantly affects families, communities, and national economies.
  • Underprioritization of women’s health: Women’s health often takes a back seat in global policy priorities. Investing in improving women’s health outcomes could boost the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040. 
  • Need for comprehensive care: The breast cancer policy conversation has been too focused on screening alone. There is an urgent need to address the full continuum of care, including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship support. 
  • Lack of political will and funding: Insufficient political commitment and funding for national cancer plans have dire consequences for constituents. Political action is required not only from health experts but also from finance ministers, world leaders, and legislators. 
  • International collaboration efforts: The World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) is a powerful example of international collaboration, aiming to transform breast cancer care by increasing access to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. 
  • Link between gender equality and health: Gender equality plays a crucial role in health outcomes. A more gender-equal approach in policy and a whole-of-government strategy can help create a healthier society. 
  • Challenges in prioritizing women’s health: Women often face social and economic obstacles that prevent them from putting their health first. There is a need to remove the burden of seeking care and treatment off women’s shoulders, making it a shared public priority. 
  • Importance of public-private partnerships: Collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare providers, NGOs, and the private sector are essential to improve cancer care and patient outcomes. 

Action items:

  • Increase political will and funding: Advocate for policymakers to prioritize women’s health, particularly breast cancer, in national agendas, ensuring adequate funding and support for comprehensive cancer care plans.
  • Adopt a whole-of-government approach: Encourage collaboration across government sectors—including health, finance, and social services—to integrate gender equality and health into all policy areas. 
  • Support international initiatives: Promote and participate in programs like the WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative to improve access to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment worldwide. 
  • Expand focus beyond screening: Develop and implement policies that address the full continuum of breast cancer care, including advanced treatments and survivorship support. 
  • Remove barriers to care: Work towards eliminating obstacles that prevent women from seeking and continuing care, such as fear of financial burden, job loss, and limited access in certain regions. 
  • Raise public awareness: Launch campaigns to increase awareness of breast cancer risks and the importance of early detection, while challenging social norms that hinder open discussions about women’s health. 
  • Foster public-private partnerships: Strengthen collaborations between governments, healthcare providers, NGOs, and the private sector to innovate and enhance cancer care services. 
  • Integrate gender equality in health policies: Implement policies that recognize and address the link between gender inequality and health disparities, aiming to create a more equitable healthcare system. 

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