WHO Africa: A Call for Investment in Women's Health.

FemImpact Africa
Dec 6, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Apr 7

Unlocking Potential: Addressing Women’s Health Challenges in Africa

Women’s health remains a cornerstone for sustainable development and prosperity across the African continent. Yet, despite progress in healthcare access and innovation, African women continue to face disproportionate health challenges. A comprehensive report from the WHO Commission on Women’s Health in the African Region sheds light on these persistent disparities and outlines actionable solutions to address them.

The Current State of Women’s Health in Africa

African women carry a disproportionate burden of disease, accounting for 56% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to reproductive health issues, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Compounded by systemic barriers such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, socio-economic inequality, and entrenched gender biases, these challenges significantly impact women’s health outcomes and life expectancy.

Key contributors to poor health outcomes include:

Maternal and Child Health: Despite reductions in maternal mortality rates, Africa still accounts for 66% of global maternal deaths. Many of these deaths are preventable with better healthcare access, skilled birth attendance, and antenatal care.
Infectious Diseases: HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately affect women, who represent nearly 60% of all adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Cultural norms and economic dependence often limit women’s ability to access preventative measures.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer highlight a growing burden of NCDs among African women, exacerbated by limited early detection and treatment services.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): GBV is a critical public health issue, with far-reaching effects on physical and mental health. It increases risks of trauma, sexually transmitted infections, and depression among women.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Women’s Health

Health disparities are not solely rooted in biological factors; they are deeply influenced by socio-economic conditions. Women in Africa face challenges such as poverty, lack of education, and limited decision-making power, all of which hinder their access to healthcare services. These systemic inequities underscore the urgent need for holistic approaches to improve women’s health.

The Economic Case for Investment in Women’s Health

Investing in women’s health is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. The report estimates that addressing women’s health challenges could boost Africa’s GDP significantly. Healthier women mean a more productive workforce, stronger families, and healthier future generations. Closing the gender health gap could unlock billions in economic potential and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Recommendations from the Report

The WHO report calls for multi-sectoral strategies to address the root causes of health disparities. Recommendations include:

Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Governments must prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure, including clinics, mobile health units, and telemedicine platforms, to reach underserved communities.
Addressing Social Determinants: Expanding education and economic opportunities for women can lead to better health outcomes by empowering them to make informed decisions.
Promoting Gender Equality in Healthcare: Tailored policies to ensure equal access to healthcare services are essential, as is training healthcare providers on gender-sensitive care delivery.
Increasing Access to Preventative Care: Scalable interventions, such as vaccination campaigns, cervical cancer screenings, and family planning services, can have a significant impact on women’s health.
Tackling Gender-Based Violence: Governments and civil society must collaborate to create safe environments, provide mental health support, and ensure justice for survivors.
Leveraging Digital Health Innovations: Mobile health tools, wearable devices, and telehealth platforms can bridge gaps in access and provide cost-effective solutions for women’s healthcare needs.

Regional Success Stories

Several initiatives across Africa demonstrate how targeted interventions can improve women’s health outcomes:

Rwanda’s Community Health Worker Program: This initiative has significantly reduced maternal and child mortality by providing grassroots-level care and health education.
Kenya’s Cervical Cancer Screening Programs: These programs offer free or low-cost screenings and vaccinations, addressing one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among African women.
South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence Response Centers: These centers provide comprehensive support to survivors, including medical care, counseling, and legal aid.

The Role of Femtech in Advancing Women’s Health

Femtech startups are uniquely positioned to drive innovation in women’s health across Africa. By leveraging digital tools, these companies can deliver personalized healthcare solutions, track health data, and provide accessible care to women in even the most remote areas. Investments in femtech could accelerate progress by filling critical gaps in service delivery and data collection.

The Path Forward

The WHO report emphasizes that addressing women’s health challenges requires sustained commitment and collaboration. Policymakers, healthcare providers, private sector leaders, and community organizations must work together to create an inclusive and equitable healthcare ecosystem. By prioritizing women’s health, Africa can not only improve the lives of millions of women but also lay the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

What does this mean for innovators and investors in Africa?

The WHO Africa report highlights significant opportunities for investors and innovators in the region, particularly in the areas of women’s health and gender equality. It emphasizes the need for digital tools and healthcare innovations to improve access and outcomes for women, creating substantial market potential. Investors can seize this opportunity by supporting health tech and femtech startups that address these challenges. Innovators can focus on developing solutions tailored to women’s health needs, particularly in underserved communities, which can drive both social impact and financial returns.