"Not just small men" - how healthcare is failing women, and what can be done

Women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than men and are 50% more likely to die of a heart attack than a male patient.

The statistics are staggering - but there are some relatively simple and cost-effective ways healthcare systems can improve the situation.

Lucy Perez of the McKinsey Health Institute sets out the challenges and talks us through these potential solutions.

Links:

CARE for Women: Investing in Care Delivery to Improve Women's Lives and Livelihoods: https://www.weforum.org/publications/care-for-women-investing-in-care-delivery-to-improve-womens-lives-and-livelihoods/

Blog: CARE for Women: A high-impact investment in health system redesign: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/05/women-health-care-framework-mckinsey-wef/

Centre for Health and Healthcare: https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-health-and-healthcare/home

McKinsey Health Institute: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/overview

Related podcasts:

Below the Belt: the movie that lifts the taboo on endometriosis: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/endometriosis-below-the-belt-movie/

Bridging the gap in women's health research, policy and innovation: Kearney: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/paula-bellostas-muguerza-kearney-womens-health/

Rare diseases: 1 billion reasons to care: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/rare-diseases/