UN data shows that women are living longer than ever before, yet many spend more of their lives in poor health. From misdiagnosis and dismissed pain to under‑researched conditions, gender inequality remains deeply embedded in healthcare systems.
“Too often, women are not taken seriously, are diagnosed too late, or receive inappropriate treatment,” UN Women said, describing a medical system historically designed without women in mind. From diagnostic tools to clinical research, gaps persist that directly affect women’s safety and quality of life.
There has been measurable progress. Maternal mortality fell by 40% between 2000 and 2023, declining from 328 to 197 deaths per 100 000 live births. Adolescent fertility rates dropped from 66.3 to 38.3 births per 1 000 girls aged 15 to 19 between 2000 and 2024. Skilled birth attendance rose from 60.9% to 86.6%, while use of modern family planning methods increased to 77.1%.
However, in the least developed countries, adolescent births rose from 4.7 million in 2000 to 5.6 million in 2024, highlighting persistent inequalities. Women live on average 3.8 years longer than men, but in 2021, they spent 10.9 years in poor health compared with 8.0 years for men. Chronic conditions such as migraines, musculoskeletal disorders, depression and gynaecological diseases are more prevalent and often poorly treated.
UN Women points to outdated medical tools, under‑funded research into female‑specific conditions and delayed diagnoses as key issues. Endometriosis, affecting 1 in 10 women globally, can take between four and 12 years to diagnose.
Until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials, meaning many treatments were developed using male biology as the default. This legacy continues today, including in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Heart disease, the leading cause of death among women, is often misdiagnosed because symptoms differ from those based on male patterns.
The UN says closing these gaps requires inclusive research, better data, modernised diagnostic tools and stronger representation of women in healthcare leadership. Evidence shows that when women lead, patient outcomes improve and mortality declines. Guaranteeing women’s right to health, the UN says, remains unfinished business.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
