Investing in women's health is not just about well-being – it’s an economic and social imperative. Discover the latest insights on prevention, social impact, and the benefits of strategic healthcare investments.
In this edition of WifOR Insights: Health, we turn our focus to women's health – not just as a healthcare issue, but as a critical lever for economic growth and societal well-being.
Data on major diseases affecting women proves why this topic matters. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 lost their lives in 2022.
In the case of cardiovascular disease (CVD), often considered a "man's disease" for being more common in men, The National Institutes of Health in the US highlight that women are frequently under-diagnosed, leading to worse patient outcomes.
Diabetes provides another good example. Despite the disease affecting both genders, women face disproportionately higher risks, including 50% higher likelihood of dying from heart disease, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Early diabetes treatment in Korea saved $23 million in productivity losses – with women benefiting most, especially through unpaid work, according to a WifOR study. A clear case of the power of prevention.
Recent events, including International Women's Day, have further underscored the importance of equity in healthcare.
Keep reading to explore how investing in women's health not only saves lives but strengthens economies, reduces healthcare costs, and empowers women to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Best wishes,
Investing in Women’s Health for Economic Growth
At the Africa Health Agenda International Conference 2025 (#AHAIC2025), discussions centered on strategic investments in healthcare to drive economic growth and improve lives across the continent.
Data from WifOR Institute indicates a socioeconomic burden of $33 billion due to the rising toll of HER+2 breast cancer in Africa. This loss is equivalent to the salary of 1.5 million average wage earners in the continent. The figures underscore the pressing need for collaboration and innovation to find sustainable solutions for healthcare challenges across Africa.
Ensuring access to quality healthcare not only improves health outcomes but also enhances economic productivity by reducing absenteeism, increasing workforce participation, and lowering healthcare costs associated with preventable diseases.
Learn about the socioeconomic burden of HER2+ breast cancer here.
Women’s Hearts Beat Differently
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women worldwide, yet many remain unaware of their risks. Symptoms in women often present differently than in men, making early detection and diagnosis more challenging. Indicators such as shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and back or jaw pain can be misinterpreted or overlooked, says the WHO.
The #GoRed Beat Event earlier this year centered on a critical issue: raising awareness of cardiovascular diseases in women. One study by WifOR Institute on atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), found that its health burden in Germany amounted to 1.1 million inpatient hospitalizations and 175,000 rehabilitations in 2019 – with women accounting for most deaths in the oldest age groups. The societal and economic burden amounted to 55 million hours (€1.1 billion) and 1.9 billion hours (€23.4 billion) of paid and unpaid work lost, respectively.
However, CVDs are largely preventable. By investing in awareness, early screenings, lifestyle interventions, equitable healthcare access, and prioritization of women’s heart health, we can reduce the disease burden on societies and economies alike.
Learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women fund here.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancer types worldwide, yet it still poses a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Prevention strategies such as regular screenings and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are not just lifesaving but also generate economic benefits.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we shared WifOR Institute’s findings on the value of cancer prevention in Germany using our health ROI Assessor framework. We found that every €1 million invested in cancer prevention generates nearly €2 million in GDP contribution and creates 32 jobs – not just in healthcare but across multiple sectors.
Moreover, regular Pap screening prevents productivity losses, with frequent screening schedules resulting in 33 million hours gained in paid work and 11 million hours in unpaid work.
It’s crucial to advocate for preventive measures that not only reduce health risks but also amplify societal and economic benefits.
Read more about novel approaches to assess the value of cancer prevention in Germany here.
Strengthening Cancer Prevention Across Europe
Across Europe, cancer cases are rising, placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems and economies. A recent discussion at the Transforming Cancer Care Together event in Romania emphasized the need for systemic investments in cancer care. Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing cancer incidence, improving survival rates, and alleviating pressure on healthcare systems. Expanding screening programs and promoting early detection strategies can improve health outcomes and reduce financial strain on individuals and healthcare providers.
The Transforming Cancer Care Declaration is a call to action that I signed, ensuring that every patient, regardless of where they live, has access to the care they need. Read the full declaration here.
