McKinsey: Closing women’s health gap is $1 trillion opportunity.

The seminal report Women’s Health Gap: A $1 Trillion Opportunity for Equity and Economic Growth from the McKinsey Health Institute examines the health disparities that uniquely or disproportionately impact women and quantifies the potential benefits of bridging this gap.

By tackling issues such as ineffective treatments, inequitable care delivery, and data deficits, the report highlights the transformative potential for improving health outcomes and economic contributions. This effort emphasizes inclusivity and equity, aligning with priorities in financing, innovation, and systemic reform to uplift women's health worldwide.

The report specifically highlights the disparity between women’s life expectancy and their health span—the years lived in good health. Despite global life expectancy rising from 30 to 73 years between 1800 and 2018, women spend an average of nine years in poor health, which hampers their ability to contribute effectively in personal, professional, and community roles. This "health gap" is quantified as 75 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually and is rooted in structural barriers, ineffective treatments, and gaps in healthcare delivery for women.

Addressing this disparity, the report suggests, could improve millions of lives and add at least $1 trillion to the global economy by 2040, equivalent to 137 million women entering full-time work.

Investments to close this gap also present market opportunities and would promote health equity, benefiting society by boosting healthy aging and improving future generations' well-being. The primary beneficiaries would be women of working age across all geographies.

Find the full report at the McKinsey Health Institute.