Overview

• The Gates Foundation has pledged $2.5 billion over five years to accelerate global women’s health research and development through 2030.
• Initial funding has been allocated to more than 40 projects targeting five critical areas: obstetric care and maternal immunization, maternal nutrition, gynecological and menstrual health, contraceptive innovation and sexually transmitted infections.
• The commitment addresses a long-standing gender disparity highlighted by a 2021 McKinsey analysis showing just 1% of healthcare R&D beyond oncology focuses on female-specific conditions.
• Foundation leaders have framed the pledge as a catalytic opportunity and invited governments, private investors, philanthropists and industry to co-invest in innovations that advance equitable access and support the goal of ending preventable maternal and infant deaths by 2045.
• Supported innovations include AI-powered portable ultrasound devices and experimental six-month injectable contraceptives aimed at expanding diagnostic and reproductive options in low-resource settings.