The gender health gap impacts millions of women, affecting their ability to fully participate in society. This gap is caused by health disparities like delayed diagnoses, barriers to early detection services, and difficulties accessing maternal care.
These disparities have a personal, social, and economic cost, limiting opportunities for women globally. The World Economic Forum estimates that while women live longer than men, they spend 25% more time in ill health. Addressing this gap could significantly benefit both individuals and the global economy.
Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in women globally, is a major contributor to health disparities. The World Health Organisation identifies it as one of nine key conditions affecting women's health. Despite being almost entirely preventable with vaccination, cervical cancer still contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Regular screenings are crucial as early detection not only increases the chances of successful treatment but also empowers women with knowledge and protects the health of communities. However, only 36% of women globally have been screened for cervical cancer, with significant disparities between countries.
This is where the technology of Halma's companies comes into play. Rovers, headquartered in Oss in the Netherlands, has been at the forefront of improving cancer screening since 1982. Their innovative and market-leading brushes, used in more than 90 countries, can be used by professionals in clinical settings and by patients at home to self-sample. This leads to more accurate and easier diagnosis, ultimately saving lives.
Maternal care is another critical area where women face considerable health disparities. Over 800 women still die every day in pregnancy and childbirth, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Perigen, a Halma company in North Carolina, US, is dedicated to improving maternal care through innovative AI-powered technology. Their foetal monitoring is a game-changer for detecting abnormalities during labour and is empowering clinicians around the world who face barriers to providing access to healthcare. By leveraging its technology, PeriGen is helping to ensure that more women have better health outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth.
Gynaecological diseases, such as polyps, myomas, and endometriosis, are on the rise among young women. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of conditions like endometriosis are crucial but often inaccessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These conditions can badly affect a woman's quality of life and require specialised medical care. Lamidey Noury, another Halma company based in Paris, France, is committed to enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes through its high-quality electrosurgical devices. These devices improve the safety and efficiency of gynecological procedures leading to shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
At Halma, we are proud to be accelerating action for women's health by building inclusive businesses where women can thrive, as well as acquiring businesses that are helping to close the gender health gap.
Author: Steve Brown, Sector Chief Executive, Healthcare
