MARGARET CHISANGA
Lusaka
INNOVATION in global health bridges gaps in access and leads to more choices for more people, says UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita.
“This means developing supportive regulation and regional manufacturing to boost availability and reduce costs. It also requires investing in strong health systems that can translate innovations into standard practices through efficient supply chains and well-trained workforces. And above all, prioritizing solutions based on what women want and need,” She said.
In a statement released as the world commemorates World Health Day, Ms Keita said when grounded in evidence, Science-led innovations have immense potential to improve women’s health and build resilient, inclusive societies, especially in remote and underserved communities.
“With innovative mobile diagnostics, health workers can provide a wide range of health services in a single visit. Digital platforms are delivering confidential, stigma-free information and services to young people and marginalized groups,” she said.
She cited innovations in self-care – such as self-administered injectable contraceptives – which are empowering women, girls and vulnerable populations with greater bodily autonomy.
“These are not just conveniences, but essential lifelines,” she said.
She also shared how portable ultrasound devices and cervical cancer screenings are bringing life-saving care to communities that lack access to conventional health services.
However, while science has never held more promise for health, many women are still left behind.
“For decades, research has under prioritized women’s health: Only 7 per cent of it focuses on conditions exclusively affecting them. And cutting-edge innovations that are women-centric are often too costly or inaccessible,” she said.
Research indicates that women spend 25 per cent more time in poor health than men, and score worse on nearly every measure of health.
Every year, an estimated 260,000 women die from complications in pregnancy and childbirth.
“As such, closing the women’s health gap would yields significant benefits,” she said.
She said these benefits include greater workforce participation, educational achievement and intergenerational gains which could unlock at least $1 trillion annually by 2040.
