When Carolee Lee started WHAM—Women’s Health Access Matters—five years ago, she aimed to shine a light on women’s health research. This area has long been overlooked, despite women comprising more than half the population and giving birth to every new life.
Lee has seen a shift. “I’m encouraged by the increased investment in women’s health,” she says. With a view toward both underserved communities and women as a whole, she believes we are starting to address these gaps.
Recently, two significant initiatives caught the world’s attention. The Gates Foundation pledged $2.5 billion for women’s health research over the next five years. Their focus will be on maternal health, nutrition, and sexually transmitted infections.
Additionally, Melinda French Gates announced a partnership with Wellcome Leap, committing $100 million to study cardiovascular issues, autoimmune diseases, and mental health. These funds could help tackle vital areas where women often fare worse than men.
Unfortunately, these investments come as federal funding for medical research is declining. Lee remains optimistic, highlighting the growing awareness of women’s health issues. She believes there’s potential for more private investment in this area.
A WHAM report projects that the women’s health market could reach $30 billion by 2030. Despite this, only 2% of healthcare venture capital is currently aimed at women’s health—a staggering statistic given that women make essential health decisions for their families.
Maternal health remains a pressing concern in the U.S., where maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the developed world. This is shocking when you consider that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, highlighting the need for more focused research.
Looking ahead, Lee forecasts that women will gain control over a significant portion of wealth. By 2030, an estimated $30 trillion will shift to women, making them decision-makers in many households. This economic power could lead to a higher prioritization of health spending, both for themselves and for their families.
Five years ago, conversations around women’s health were limited. Today, WHAM collaborates with over 100 top scientists and multi-billion dollar firms that are eager to invest in women’s health.
While she emphasizes the economic rationale for funding women’s health research, Lee also voices concerns over declining federal support. However, recent commitments from the Gates Foundation and former President Biden—who allocated about $1 billion for women’s health initiatives—signal a growing movement.
Ultimately, Lee’s focus remains on the positives. “Staying optimistic is crucial,” she says, noting that being an entrepreneur has taught her the value of focusing on solutions rather than obstacles.
As the landscape evolves, the commitment to improving women’s health is crucial, not just for women, but for the economy as a whole.
For more information about women’s health issues, you can explore resources from the CDC and the Alzheimer’s Association.
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