The outgoing president and first lady recently hosted the historic White House Conference on Women’s Health Research, the first of its kind. This groundbreaking event brought together a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, including philanthropy, business, research, and government. Key stakeholders, including advocates for women’s health, investors, and policymakers, gathered to discuss innovative approaches to improving women’s healthcare and the importance of increased investment in this crucial field.
A recent report by The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine highlighted a concerning trend in women’s health research. From 2013 to 2023, only 9% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research budget was dedicated to women’s health, and that percentage declined over time.
In response, the Biden administration has committed approximately $1 billion to advancing women’s health. This investment aims to address the significant gaps in research and care that women face. Earlier this year, President Biden signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate efforts to expand research on women’s health, with a focus on improving the collection of data to better “prevent, diagnose and treat conditions” that affect women differently than men.
Additionally, last year, President Biden launched a major initiative aimed at “fundamentally changing how our nation approaches and funds women’s health research.” The initiative seeks to close a longstanding gap in the funding and research dedicated to women’s health in both the public and private sectors, ensuring that women’s unique health needs are properly addressed.
