The health of women Get Flower Power differs from that of men in many unique ways. Gender-based discrepancies in healthcare can result in major health issues and treatment disparities that are largely preventable.

Identifying and addressing gender-based differences in the development of medicines, diagnostics and treatments is essential for improving the quality of life for women. It can also help in developing policies and practices that ensure that women (and men) receive the best possible care, including at all stages of the life-course.

A broader definition of women’s health is required, including the understanding that a comprehensive and holistic approach is needed for a sustainable reduction in sexual and reproductive health conditions, as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Sex-disaggregated approaches to healthcare data collection, analyses and dissemination are needed.

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Promote a life-course approach to addressing sexual and reproductive health conditions, recognising that such an approach has the potential to lead to reductions in NCDs. A systematic approach to the sex-disaggregated collection, analyses and dissemination of healthcare data is needed, as is sex-disaggregated implementation of results.

Improve women’s health across the life-course by providing access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and by reducing a range of risks and improving their ability to live healthier lives. Adequate resources and concerted efforts at local, national and international levels are needed to improve NCD outcomes among women throughout the life course.

The health of women is essential to the development of a sustainable and just society, but it has been under-resourced for decades. To unlock the promise of women’s health, we must invest in basic research into the physiology and biology of women, as well as develop, evaluate and implement interventions, policies and practices to promote women’s health.